On March 3, 1883, the trustees of the First Baptist church were authorized to purchase a lot in Northeast Brainerd on which a Mission or Chapel would be erected. Part of the material was furnished by the Brainerd Lumber company and donations from businessmen of Brainerd. The work was largely donated by the men of the church and Mission.

This building was originally known as Mill Mission. Previous to its erection, services were held in the basement of the Lumber Mill office and in the homes of the people.

Among the faithful men and women who had this vision of a Christian work in this part of Brainerd under the supervision of the First Baptist church were: Mrs. A. E. Thayer, Mrs. Seth Hover, Emma K. Hanson, J. M. Hayes, Albert Angel, John Vanderwerker, Henry Thon and Arthur Lydden.

About the year 1923 or 1924. the Rev. Charles Swindells arrived from England and was appointed superintendent of the Mission. He was the leader for several years until he left to take a church.

The First Baptist church then shared pastors with the Mission. They were: The Rev. H. F. Damon, 1929; the Rev. E. A. Valiant, 1930 - 1942; the Rev. R. P. Bronleewe, 1942 - 1944. Under Rev. Bronleewe, together with George Cain and the faithful members of the Mission, improvements were made along with the addition of two rooms and a front entry-way. It was at this time that the name was changed from Mill Mission to Baptist Chapel.

In 1944, the Rev. Harry Abrahamson came to First church and was pastor of the Chapel as well. Under his leadership, the attendance increased until the enrollment was 100 and the a vera g e attendance was 65. Services were held twice weekly.

From 1950 to 1961, the Rev. Robert Kittrel took over t h e work of the two places of worship. In 1958, the Chapel celebrated its 75th anniversary with Rev. Charles Swindells as guest speaker.

There are three young people out of this membership who are in full-time Christian service. Two are missionaries and one, a pastor's wife. There was a deep desire on the part of some of the members at this time to have a future church for young people growing up here. With the help of Rev. Kittrel and a committee, a church was organized in 1960. It was at this time that the Minnesota Baptist convention turned over the deed to the property to the newly-elected trustees and the name was changed to Faith Baptist church.

The Rev. Alan P. Anger was called as first pastor. In January of 1964, Rev. Anger resigned to take a church in Posen, Ill.

In the spring of 1964, the Rev. Manley Surbrook was called. The parsonage was purchased and dedicated at this time. After three years, Rev. Surbrook resigned.

In May of 1967, the Rev Lewis L. Richards came and is the present pastor.

During 1969, the church membership increased by 12 percent, and in that same year, a church organ, aisle and sanctuary carpeting were purchased and Sunday School improvements were made.

New efforts have included establishment of a new church building fund, instituting of a senior young peoples' program and partial support for two missionary families.

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