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. Since moving to the new facilities we have experienced growth in membership, programs and opportunities for service.
The new church was completed in 1992. In 2005 the church added a large expansion with multiple classrooms and a larger Family Life Center and kitchen. Faith to continue growing and serving is a strong reflection of the commitment of this congregation to serve God in this community.
We have been blessed with Trustees who maintain our facilities and with church members who support the financial needs of this additional space. 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. A parsonage was sold in 2006. Our property is now in one location…the church on the hill with 10 acres.
A result of 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 3 pastors. George Calhoun served from 1951 to 1958, Albert Neher served from 1958 to 1973 and Cliff Richardson began his service with us in 1974. Cliff will retire in July 2007. These pastors have been strong Bible preaching leaders with strong family support. They each brought different strengths, gifts and styles to Alexandria and each was just what we needed during their times of service.
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. Our youth program has been expanded into the schools and there is a good working relationship among all the Youth Pastors in the community.
With our move to new facilities we found a need for additional pastoral staff. In 1998 two new positions, the Pastoral Assistant and the Children’s Minister, were created. Our current paid staff includes Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor/Director of Christian Education, Pastoral Assistant, Children’s Minister, Minister of Music and church Secretary. The Senior Pastor and Youth Pastor/Director of Christian Education are the only full time positions.
Our Mission Program has grown over the decades, as has the membership. We consider our mission support a great strength of this congregation. We have been listed in the top 25 churches in our region for mission giving, supporting local, national and international missions. 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.
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. Some of our more recent programs include the following: Lydia Ministry, Book Club, Adult Literacy, Prayer Shawl ministry and special rotating topic classes. 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.
Many members of our church family have been at FBC their entire lives and many of our families are multi-generational. Our church has seen recent growth specifically with young families. New babies keep arriving and our church family is excited and honored to help them grow into strong Christian servants.
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.