First Baptist Church members celebrate lengthy history in Thermopolis

Last weekend, members of the First Baptist Church in Thermopolis celebrated the church's 120th anniversary with a variety of events Saturday and Sunday.

The first Baptist services held in Thermopolis were held in a store on the corner of Fifth and Big Horn Streets. Pastor Gould of Meeteetse preached the first service. The organizing charter members were: Mrs. J.W. Calloway, Miss Jean Calloway, Mrs. Allen Funk, Mrs. Anna Chase, J. Lewis Fenner, Daniel Harkins, Mrs. E.F. Jones, and Hulda Kellog.

According to a story in a 1930s Thermopolis Journal newspaper, on February 4, 1905, a notice appeared in the paper inviting the public to Baptist services at Mt. Pleasant at 11 a.m. and in the McCoy building the evening of February 12. These services were conducted by Rev. J. M. Jones of Colter, who served serval places in the Big Horn Basin.

In 1907, the church was strengthened through the efforts of Rev. Marion J. Sigler, who led a church building project. The Town of Thermopolis donated two lots on 8th and Warren Streets, and the church attained a $500 loan and raised $1,100 among them to construct the first building.

In 1922, an addition and remodeling was done to the little building for the amount of $2,000. In 1911, Rev.. M. O. Keller was called as pastor. In 1914, Rev. W. H. F. Jones gave his services in a joint pastorate with the community at Lucerne, where a church had been built through the efforts of Rev. Keller.

Rev. W. H. Hughes served as pastor from March, 1918 to November, 1919. From that time until late in 120, the pulpit was supplied for short periods by C. F. Meier, Dr. Swift of Chicago and Rev. Evans, state pastor at large.

Rev. S. A. Phillips accepted the duties of pastor in October of 1920. In 1930, the American Baptist Home Missions Board sent Pastor A. C. Blinzinger and the Chapel Rail Car "Grace" to minister to and help lead the church in their efforts to find a new property. This same year, lots were purchased on the corner of Fremont and 6th Street for $600.

In 1931, the present church was planned and building began. The Warren Street building was sold.

The new building was dedicated on June 19, 1932. They had no seats, no furnace, nor any money to hire a pastor. E.L. Crane was sent by the missions board to supply the pulpit for that year.

In 1949 the Lucerne church came and joined First Baptist Church. Through the years they had often shared the same preacher.

In October of 1955, the church broke ground on the Christian Education Building. This section of the building would operate as office space, a fellowship hall and kitchen, as well as Sunday School classrooms. This building was completed in 1958, and the first open house was held January 25.

This half of the building still functions in the same capacity today as a Fellowship Hall, church office and Sunday School area.

The white house on the corner of 6th and Clark was purchased by the church in 1978. It has been used in countless ways through the years including a youth group meeting place, a parsonage and has been rented out as well. Built in 1904, this house is a historical marker of our town. While some remodeling has been done, the house would've been considered a mansion in its hay-day. Much of the original wood craftsmen style is still found in it.

In August of 1980, a special meeting was held and the church voted to no longer be affiliated with the American Baptist Convention. For the first time in its history, the church was independent of any convention. They remain an independent and unaffiliated Baptist Church today.

On April 5, 1981 the new auditorium was dedicated. In 1994, pastor Harvey Seidel was called to be the pastor of the church. Within a few years the church paid down on debt, and burned the mortgage on the last piece of property owed on in 1996.

During this time, some adjacent lots and houses were purchased by the church. The purchase of the Ramsey property was one of these purchases. This property includes a duplex and a small home. Supporting Missions is a core part of the church's purpose.

In February of 2020, pastor Harvey Seidel retired after 26 years of ministry in Thermopolis.

Upon his retirement, pastor Tony Newhouse was elected as the pastor of the church, beginning a new era for the church.