TEMPLE BAPTIST church was renamed in 1930, formerly called First Swedish Baptist church. The original congregation was organized on Aug. 20, 1882, and included 19 members. (Picture contributed by Mrs. Lester Erickson.)

Temple Baptist church on 10th and Oak Streets was originally called, "First Swedish Baptist Church of Brainerd," and was organized Aug. 20, 1882.

First pastor was the Rev. John Fogeistrom who served an original membership of 19 people. In 1930, the name was changed to Temple Baptist church.

During the years, 27 pastors have served the church at different times through the present pastor, the Rev. Vernie Stoneberg.

From a small beginning, the church has grown to its present membership of 142, with an annual budget of $20,000 with 25 percent of this amount given directly to missions.

The church has had several persons in fulltime missionary service. At present, the Rev. and Mrs. Glenn Swanson are serving in Japan and have been there since 1955.

Temple was originally a Swedish church and services were held in Swedish and English. In later years, services have been in English only and there are many members who are not of Swedish origin.

The church building originally was a 25 x 30-foot structure. In 1958, the church purchased a house and lot adjoining its property which eventually became a parking area. The old parsonage adjoining the church was razed and a new parsonage purchased on Graydon Avenue in 1961.

In 1968, a house north of the church was purchased and now is a Sunday School annex. That same year, carpeting was installed in the church auditorium, and the following year, a youth room built in the basement area.

The church building is now a modern sanctuary with many fully-equipped Sunday School rooms. A recent face lifting gave the church a complete exterior sandblasting and painting.

Active groups within the church are: Sunday Bible School with classes for all ages, Vacation Bible School, Temple-women's Missionary Society, Templemen's Brotherhood, Girls' Missionary Guild, Boys' Brigade and Release Time classes.

Temple Baptist church is affiliated with the Baptist General Conference and Minnesota Conference.

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