Our Story
First Baptist Church of Alexandria was organized and founded in 1895. The church affiliated with the American Baptist Convention, the Indiana Baptist Convention and the Harmony Association. The church first met in a building in downtown Alexandria that was destroyed by fire in 1909. At that time a church built in 1899 by the First Congregational Church was for sale This building became home for FBC until a new church was built in 1992.
In 2005 the church added multiple classrooms, a larger Family Life Center and a bigger kitchen. Faith to continue growing and serving is a strong reflection of the commitment of this congregation to serve God in this community.
The church is one of the first things seen when entering Alexandria from the south. Our Trustees strive to keep the property in a condition that reflects the importance of God in our community
Growth at the new church led us to purchase a 15-passenger van a few years ago. With positive response and increased demand, a second van was purchased. Both vans are used by the many groups and activities sponsored by the church. They have been on thousand mile mission trips and to retreats and activities close to home. While providing needed transportation, they also serve as a rolling witness and a means of fellowship for all who
use them.
We have been blessed to have long-term relationships with our pastoral staff. Over the past 50 years we have had only 4 pastors. George Calhoun served from 1951 to 1958, Albert Neher served from 1958 to 1973 and Cliff Richardson served from 1974 to 2007. Pastor Michael Deutsch joined us in July of 2007. These pastors have been strong Bible preaching leaders with strong family support. They each brought different strengths, gifts and styles to Alexandria and all have met our needs at just the right time.
Our church growth brought a need for additional pastoral staff during the 1970's. The first Youth Pastor/Director of Christian Education was hired to serve at that time. We have had six young men fill this position. Four of the six have gone on into full time ministry.
With our move to new facilities we found a need for additional pastoral staff. Our current paid staff includes Senior Pastor, Worship and Outreach Pastor, Youth Pastor/Director of Christian Education, Children's Minister, and office secretary.
Our Mission Program has grown over the years and we consider our mission support a great strength of this congregation. We name each mission on our weekly prayer list as a reminder to our membership of the important work they are supporting to expand God's kingdom. The most recent addition to our mission work is Angel Food. Through this ministry we are able to supply the community with good food at greatly reduced prices. We are also working to develop a stronger commitment to local outreach.
We have seen a number of programs introduced over the past 15 years. Each building expansion has allowed for more creative ways to reach lost souls and to serve each other. Long-term programs continue to grow and expand. We strive to see needs as they arise and meet the challenge of providing support to fill those needs.
Our church membership has seen continued growth since it's beginning. In the late 1960's an evangelistic team from Asbury College in Kentucky came for a revival. After this there was a great period of growth in membership. A second period of major growth came after moving to the new church in 1992. We continue to see strong, steady growth in membership.
Alexandria First Baptist Church strives to maintain a strong fiscal position. While we never hear a call for money from the pulpit, we are able to fulfill whatever needs arise. Our membership is committed to serving God's people and embraces the cost in a selfless manner.
As we look to the future, we are excited to see what God reveals to us and how we can be used for His Holy purpose. He expects great things from us and we eagerly anticipate our next steps.