How it all started...
The church was started as a mission of the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio in the spring of 1954. It first met in the Union Hall at 80 Shephard Street in Springfield. The mission constituted as a church on November 19, 1954 as the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, and had 49 charter members. Rev. Lawton Horne was instrumental in starting the mission and became its first pastor.
In March of 1956, while under the leadership of Rev. Albert Greer, the church voted to affiliate with the Motor Cities Association of Southern Baptist Churches in Michigan. The church became a charter member of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan when it was organized in 1957. Thus since 1956 the church has been a cooperating member of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The church continued to meet at the Union Hall on Shepard Street until April of 1956 when it began renting the Seventh-Day Adventist building at 48 Hinman Avenue. In September of 1956 the church voted to purchase two lots located at 420 N 34th Street in Springfield. Work began on the first unit of the building in 1957, with most of the work being done by the church members. The first service was held in the new building on December 20, 1958. Over the years several improvements and an addition was added to the building. On August 1, 1959, the church voted to change its name to the First Baptist Church of Springfield.
In March of 1956, while under the leadership of Rev. Albert Greer, the church voted to affiliate with the Motor Cities Association of Southern Baptist Churches in Michigan. The church became a charter member of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan when it was organized in 1957. Thus since 1956 the church has been a cooperating member of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The church continued to meet at the Union Hall on Shepard Street until April of 1956 when it began renting the Seventh-Day Adventist building at 48 Hinman Avenue. In September of 1956 the church voted to purchase two lots located at 420 N 34th Street in Springfield. Work began on the first unit of the building in 1957, with most of the work being done by the church members. The first service was held in the new building on December 20, 1958. Over the years several improvements and an addition was added to the building. On August 1, 1959, the church voted to change its name to the First Baptist Church of Springfield.
Expanding the vision...
Services were held at the church building on 34th Street until 2003 when a new building was erected on Helmer Road (its current location). Skilled and unskilled church members helped with the project, some spending their evenings and Saturdays to lend a hand. A building crew from McGregor Baptist Church in Florida also came to work for a week in the summer. Since the church was no longer physically present in the city of Springfield, the church’s name was changed to Faith Baptist Church.
As the church continued to grow, its members launched and engaged in multiple ministries aimed at both discipleship and reaching the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sunday School classes for different age groups, as well as multiple classes for adults, continue to be added as needed. Men's and women's ministries seek to help members grow in their faith. Youth and children's ministries foster and encourage an early love for the Lord.
Over the years, Faith Baptist Church has understood the importance of starting new works, planting several new churches in the surrounding area (including the first African-American congregation to join the Baptist State Convention of Michigan, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Albion, Michigan).
As the church continued to grow, its members launched and engaged in multiple ministries aimed at both discipleship and reaching the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sunday School classes for different age groups, as well as multiple classes for adults, continue to be added as needed. Men's and women's ministries seek to help members grow in their faith. Youth and children's ministries foster and encourage an early love for the Lord.
Over the years, Faith Baptist Church has understood the importance of starting new works, planting several new churches in the surrounding area (including the first African-American congregation to join the Baptist State Convention of Michigan, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Albion, Michigan).
Where we are headed...
The Lord continues to provide for and sustain this local body of believers in Battle Creek as it seeks to proclaim the Gospel not just in Battle Creek, but to the ends of the earth. We are involved in various missions work (we have sent teams out within our own state, to other states, and internationally) and are always looking for new ways to reach out with the love of Christ. In 2026, the church will launch a Trail Life troop, seeking to reach the next generation of boys and young men with both the truth of the Gospel as well as activities and skills that will help them through life.
As we continue to follow the Lord's direction, we hope that you will join us as we seek to magnify the name of Jesus and make His name known in Battle Creek and beyond!
As we continue to follow the Lord's direction, we hope that you will join us as we seek to magnify the name of Jesus and make His name known in Battle Creek and beyond!
