History of First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler
First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler has been serving the community of Ben Wheeler for almost 150 years. It began 20 August 1877 when 24 charter members met in the old Stanger School House in an area then known as Union Grove and was named Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Christ. It was a member of the Saline Baptist Association.
In 1888 the church moved to a new plot and became Beulah Baptist Church of Christ, a member of the New Bethlehem Association. Finally in 1891 the church bought a piece of property, in partnership with the Masonic Lodge, and shared a two-story building with the church meeting on the bottom floor. In 1928 the church bought out the Lodge and removed the top story. They moved the bottom story to a new location on the property. At this point the church was renamed
First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler.
In 1961 it was decided to tear down the entire facility and build a new church from the ground up. During the construction they met in the auditorium of the now defunct Ben Wheeler School. Their first service was held 12 August 1962 with the dedication on 2 June 1963.
With the growth of the community around it the church felt the need to expand and added a new auditorium. The first service in the present sanctuary was held 16 November 1986. The dedication was 16 August 1987 at the 110-year anniversary celebration. Expanding once more, the Family Life Center was added and dedicated 20 August 2000 at the
123-year anniversary celebration.
Today FBC Ben Wheeler serves the community conducting the following ministries: Men’s Ministry, meeting monthly for breakfast and fellowship; Women’s Ministry, meeting monthly for activities and fellowship as well as special events throughout the year; Summit Youth, meeting once a week and for special events; Children’s Ministry meeting once a week for Awana and for special events; Clothes Closet, providing clothes to those in need; and a monthly supper/game night for members and friends.
We, the members of First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler, pledge and dedicate ourselves to the task of continuing the great heritage of our church, and more importantly, to continue sharing our Savior’s love with a lost and dying world. We invite you to come be a part of our mission and experience all God has for you as a believer.
In 1888 the church moved to a new plot and became Beulah Baptist Church of Christ, a member of the New Bethlehem Association. Finally in 1891 the church bought a piece of property, in partnership with the Masonic Lodge, and shared a two-story building with the church meeting on the bottom floor. In 1928 the church bought out the Lodge and removed the top story. They moved the bottom story to a new location on the property. At this point the church was renamed
First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler.
In 1961 it was decided to tear down the entire facility and build a new church from the ground up. During the construction they met in the auditorium of the now defunct Ben Wheeler School. Their first service was held 12 August 1962 with the dedication on 2 June 1963.
With the growth of the community around it the church felt the need to expand and added a new auditorium. The first service in the present sanctuary was held 16 November 1986. The dedication was 16 August 1987 at the 110-year anniversary celebration. Expanding once more, the Family Life Center was added and dedicated 20 August 2000 at the
123-year anniversary celebration.
Today FBC Ben Wheeler serves the community conducting the following ministries: Men’s Ministry, meeting monthly for breakfast and fellowship; Women’s Ministry, meeting monthly for activities and fellowship as well as special events throughout the year; Summit Youth, meeting once a week and for special events; Children’s Ministry meeting once a week for Awana and for special events; Clothes Closet, providing clothes to those in need; and a monthly supper/game night for members and friends.
We, the members of First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler, pledge and dedicate ourselves to the task of continuing the great heritage of our church, and more importantly, to continue sharing our Savior’s love with a lost and dying world. We invite you to come be a part of our mission and experience all God has for you as a believer.