Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The congregation of Warsaw First Baptist Church will celebrate the church's 150th birthday Sunday.
According to information provided by Pauline Hoskins, church member, the church was first organized Jan. 11, 1851, and the first building was built in June 1854. Since then, the church has been through a fire and two wind storms, and the congregation is now in the church's fourth building, at 2819 Patterson Road in Warsaw.
The first service at the church's current location was Nov. 12, 1995, with a dedication service June 30, 1996. The congregation buried a time capsule in 1864, 1915 and on April 13, 1997. Hoskins said the church history and items chosen by members of the congregation were buried in the time capsule.
Pastor Charles Circle, Grace Baptist Church, Berne, will be the guest speaker Sunday at the church. Circle graduated from Warsaw Community High School and attended First Baptist Church as a child. Pastor Richard Anderson, who also grew up in the church, and former pastor, Dr. Larry Overstreet, will give words of greeting Sunday. The children's bell choir will present special music. The choir and former members of the choir also will present special music. A historical video will be shown during the service and lunch will be served following the service.
Also during the service Sunday, Hoskins said, names of the oldest church members will be mentioned: Adria Orr, Odetta Noggle and Willodean Foreman. Orr is the oldest member, at age 105. Noggle has been a member of the church for 80 years and Foreman for 73 years.
Services are each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. Small groups and Bible study meet each Sunday at 6 p.m.
Other ministries the church offers include Women's Bible study, senior ambassadors, Awana and children's church. A nursery also is provided.
First Baptist Church does not currently have a pastor. James Rankin serves as interim pastor.
The public is invited to all church services.
