Early in 1957 Pastors Everett Hawbaker, M.O. Burman, and Don Worden came to Fort Dodge to look over the city regarding the possibility of starting a Regular Baptist Church.  They wanted information so to be able to pray intelligently about the need.  One of the sites they looked at was North 22^nd street where the church now stands.

On Friday night, March 1, 1957 Rev Everett Hawbaker of Webster City, Iowa called together families in the Fort Dodge area, at the home of the Gordon Foster.  The purpose being to form a Bible Study group, with the intent of organizing into a church.  On this night Mr. And Mrs. John Schroeder were present and indicated an interest in beginning the work.

It was decided to meet every Friday evening in the Foster home with Rev. Hawbaker leading the study, until the Schroeder’s could move to Fort Dodge.  They arrived on the field April 15, 1957.  A full schedule of services began on May 4, 1957 in the members  homes. 

 On July 29^th 1957 the church officially organized with eleven charter members.

CHARTER

We, the undersigned, guided as we believe by the Holy Spirit and relying upon His continued guidance and blessing of the Tribune God, do here and now , by this act constitute ourselves a New Testament Baptist church to administer His ordinances,

advance His Worship, encourage Christian fellowship, and to be governed by His will as revealed in the New Testament, and to that end affix our signatures to this Charter.

Paul D. Montgomery

Shirley L. Montgomery

Dora B Pikerts

Willis A Roberts

W. E. Peterson

Gordon A Foster

Florance Lea Foster

Richard D Peterson

Mrs. Francis Peterson

Marlys Peterson

Robert Peterson

Mrs. Leonard DeHaet

John DeHaet

On June 2, 1957 the churched moved into the Rosendale School, East of Fort Dodge.  Services continued at the Rosendale School until August 25, 1957.

 On March 3, 1958 a Recognition council was called and the church was recognized as a Regular Baptist Church.

 Pastor Schroder resigned in the summer of 1960.  Rev. M.O. Burman, FBHM, became the pastor in September, 1960.  Services were held at the YMCA from September, 1957 until November, 1961 when the church moved services to the 4-H Building.

 In the February 1961 issue of the Iowa – Nebraska Regular Baptist paper Pastor M.O. Burman wrote “Another great step has been taken in the work of the church.  Wednesday December 21, official action was taken to purchase property on which to build.  The Lord has provided a good location on a paved street in the most rapidly developing area of the city.”

 The site was at 1408 North 22^nd Street and purchased from James Van Gundy to build the church.  Early in 1962 construction of the new building began.

 Early in 1962 construction of the new building began.  In December they moved into the first floor of the new building.  Much of the work was done by the pastor and members of the congregation.  The building is of tile and brick in a split level design.  A ground level semi-basement faces the south with the main entrance of the church off 22^nd street.  The structure is 36 x 80 feet in size and the main floor has an auditorium with seating room for 200 persons in addition to a classroom, nursery, pastor’s study and foyer.  The lower level is equipped with five Bible study classrooms and an assembly area which can be converted into, four classrooms.  Interior walls of the building are of white glazed brick with floors covered with terrazzo or tile.  Plans for the edifice were drawn by Architect W.W. Fruden of Ackley. 

 The building committee consisted of Sam Simpson, chairman; David Klinefelter, Gordon Foster, Bud McDonald, and Paul Montgomery. The building was completed in early 1964, at a cost of $57,000.00.

 The dedication service was held on Monday, April 27, 1964.  The dedication speaker was the Rev. Everett Hawbaker, Huron, S.D. the clergyman who held first Bible classes when the membership was begun.  Others participating in the service were Pastor Burman, Rev Ralph Saver of Waterloo and ministers from Newton, Belmond, Eldora, and Clear Lake.

Faith Baptist Church Pastors

March 1957 - September 25, 1960

Pastor and Mrs. John Schroeder

September 11, 1960 - February 2, 1964

Pastor and Mrs. M. O. Burman

April 22, 1964 - 1967

Pastor and Mrs. Ralph Sarver

June 23, 1968 - December 17, 1970

Pastor and Mrs. Earl Swigart

April 12, 1970 - December 31, 1972

Pastor and Mrs. Glenn Prewitt

July 7, 1974 - July 9, 1978

Pastor and Mrs. Don McMillian

1979 - 1995

Pastor and Mrs. Robert Fry

1995 - Present

Pastor and Mrs. Michael Crawford