History

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Despite this decline, those who remained showed signs of renewal. The church had a successful “Forty Days of Purpose” program in 2004 with the goal of unifying the church’s purposes and bringing on spiritual renewal. The outreach ministry sponsored fall carnivals in the parking lot for neighboring children with as many as 150 attending. A shelter was constructed in the parking lot for the church and anyone in the area to use. Members opened their pockets to purchase a projection system for the sanctuary, a new organ (at a cost of nearly $130,000), an improvement in the sanctuary sound system, and construction of a permanent extension to the pulpit area. And the very successful Christmas musical, “A Time for Christmas,” was presented in 2003 and 2004. With a cast of 120 (almost all members of FBC), the musical was performed three nights in 2003 and four nights in 2004 to a full house each night. One estimate was that 1300 people saw the musical in 2004.

During the past two years the worship-style controversy has virtually ended, and a spirit of harmony and support is much more apparent. With Wade Allen becoming the new pastor in August, 2008, the congregation believes the future skies are bright and seems eager to move forward.

This history is provided by Dr. William Eidson, member of First Baptist Church and retired history professor at Ball State University. Bill has also written a book entitled “Journey Down Jefferson Street” and is available upon request. Contact Us for more information.