The First Baptist church of Brainerd was organized on Sept. 8,1872, under the leadership of the Rev. G. W. Huntley. The building was constructed on property given by the Puget Sound Land Co.

In 1881, the church was reorganized with the Rev. J. Wilkins as pastor and with 11 charter members.

Just before the turn of the century, (1897) a fire partially destroyed the church building and all records were lost. In 1906, a new building was erected on the site of the present church, which was adequate until about 1920, when it was voted to remodel the church auditorium and add an educational unit. The work was started, a basement completed, but not until November of 1930, was the remainder of the work completed and dedication services held.

In 1962, the property at 422 North Seventh Street was purchased for a parsonage and since that time, has been partially remodeled inside and out.

In 1970, the final payment on church mortgages was ma d e and on Nov. 12 of that year, a mortgage burning service was held with the present pastor, the Rev. Lester Mengel, in charge.

First Baptist church has a Iarge missionary program at present, both on foreign and home fields. Some 24 pastors have served the church which has a membership at present of about 200 people. Several of its members have gone into the ministry or missionary service.

Reproduced from the Centennial Edition of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch (1871-1971).