Our History

In 1847, a Baptist church was organized in Kokomo with seven members. The last recorded meeting of this church organization was August 16, 1858. At that time, the church had about one hundred members. Many futile efforts were make at reviving this organization, but not until 1874 were the efforts successful.

The Reverend Joseph Brown, secretary of the Baptist State Convention, visited Kokomo in January, 1875. Under his leadership it was decided on February 7, 1875, to organize the "First Baptist Church of Kokomo." The First Baptist Church of Kokomo was officially organized on February 18, 1875. It was formally recognized by a council of delegates from sister churches as regular in doctrine and policy on March 18, 1875.

In 1893, a sanctuary was erected and added to the existing school building which had served as the church since its organization. The church also helped establish a church for the black brothers and sisters who had originally met with them in the school building. Their church later became known as the "Second Baptist Church of Kokomo."

During the 1930's, an annex was added and the sanctuary was completely remodeled. An educational unit with Sunday School rooms and office facilities was added in 1958.

The First Baptist Church organized and built a mission church, the Maple Crest Baptist Church, which is located south of Kokomo on South Park Road.

On March 23, 1984, the First Baptist Church was destroyed by fire. Only a few of the beautiful stained glass windows were saved for the newly-built brick church. The congregation was deeply touched by the many expressions of love and sympathy from our sister churches in our city.

In the summer of 1985, a new church building was completed across the street from the old building site. A dedication service was held in July of 1985.

Pastors who have served the First Baptist Church are: S.S. Cornelius, Allen Hill, M.O. Kellar, J.H. Winans, E.G.Shouse, J.D. Rhodes, George B. McKee, J.W. Clevenger, J.J. Jurley, A.E. Murphy, D.G. Dunkin, H.R. Rust, W.P. Pearce, Cletus Brown, John M. Newsom, Walter Howard (Associate Pastor), A.N. Corpening, Willas Lucas, Arthur Eddy, Everett Chambers, Ed Brown, Kenneth Swank, and Paul A. Martin, who came to us on May 1, 1988.