You are a stranger here but once
Welcome to the ministry of First Baptist Church of Madison. We are a unique small-sized congregation striving to be both diverse and inclusive. In hearing God's Word, we work toward living responsible Christian lives in a complex world. Together we rejoice in embarking on our jubilee journey of faith. While we realize all our questions cannot be answered, we are nurtured in our beloved community as we seek to know the will of our Lord. The programs of the church are open to everyone.
This year First Baptist Church celebrates it's 111th anniversary. In the early spring of 1895 a small group of baptized believers, desiring a place where they could assemble and commune together with their God, met in a hall at 10 Central Avenue known as Odd Fellows Hall for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Mission. In 1897 the Baptist Mission was organized as the First Baptist Church of Madison with Rev. R. L. Harris as its first Pastor.
As the church continued to grow in membership it was noted that a larger place of worship was needed. The lot on Cook Avenue upon which the church now stands was purchased from Mr. Warren B. Burnet for the sum of $400.00 and on the first Sunday in June, 1901, an appropriate ground breaking service was held. The church was completed in February 1902 at a cost of approximately $3,500.00.
For four months last year, from January until May, the First Baptist Church underwent major renovations at a cost of $350,000. The Church Congregation has made a commitment and pledged to raise funds towards the restoration and renovation of the 105 year old structure. Restoration of the sanctuary includes the stained glass windows, the original circular pews, and the Gothic architecture with slanting floors. The renovation includes new mahogany doors, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, closed circuit television, new steps from the lower level to the balcony, a new round baptistery in a redesigned Chancel area.
The church is currently raising funds to build a wing to include educational facilities
