Long before Independence became the community we know today, a small group of believers gathered with a simple purpose: to worship God, grow in His Word, and share the hope of Jesus Christ with their community.
On April 3, 1845, twelve believers came together to organize what would become First Baptist Church of Independence, Missouri. Independence was still a frontier town in those days—a launching point for pioneers heading west on the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails. In the midst of that growing community, these early Christians planted a church that would continue serving Christ for generations.
From Humble Beginnings
The first members of First Baptist did not have a beautiful sanctuary or extensive facilities. They gathered wherever space was available—in homes, stores, and even the Jackson County Courthouse.
But they had something far more important: faith, commitment, and a desire to build a church where people could hear the Word of God and discover new life in Jesus Christ.
As the congregation grew, so did its ministry. In 1889, the church established its home near Pleasant Street, where generations of believers would gather for worship, Bible study, fellowship, missions, and service.
Faithful Through Changing Times
Imagine everything that has happened since those twelve believers gathered in 1845.
First Baptist Church has ministered through the Civil War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, times of prosperity and hardship, and enormous changes in American life. Independence itself has grown from a small frontier community into a thriving city.
Buildings have changed. Worship styles have changed. Generations have come and gone.
But the Gospel has not changed.
Through every generation, people have gathered at First Baptist to worship God, open the Scriptures, pray together, raise their children in faith, care for people in need, support missionaries, and tell others about Jesus.
Our history even intersects with the story of one of Independence's most famous families. Members of President Harry S. Truman's extended family were connected with First Baptist Church, including his cousins in the Noland family, and his sister Mary Jane was baptized here. Truman himself occasionally worshiped at First Baptist Church of Independence, particularly during the pastorate of Rev. Harold Hunt, who led the pastoral prayer at Truman’s funeral.
But the most important story of First Baptist has never been about famous names.
It is the story of ordinary people serving an extraordinary God.
It is the story of Sunday School teachers who faithfully taught children the Bible. Of pastors who proclaimed God's Word. Of musicians and choirs who led generations in worship. Of missionaries who were supported and sent. Of meals prepared, prayers offered, friendships formed, families strengthened, and neighbors loved.
It is the story of people who believed that Jesus Christ can change a life—and that a church committed to Him can make a difference in its community.
Our Story Is Still Being Written
Today, more than 180 years after our founding, First Baptist Church of Independence continues to worship and serve in the heart of our community.
We are grateful for our history, but we believe our best days do not have to be behind us.
The same God who was faithful to those twelve believers in 1845 is faithful today. And the same mission that brought them together continues to call us forward—to faithfully teach the practical, life-changing truths of God's Word, to worship with joy, to serve with Christ-like compassion, and to connect our community to Jesus Christ.
We honor the generations who came before us not simply by remembering what they built, but by continuing what they began.
There are still people who need hope.
There are still families who need encouragement.
There are still children and young people who need to discover God's love.
There are still neighbors who need to know Jesus.
And there is still a place for you in the story.
Yesterday, faithful people planted.
Today, we continue to grow.
Tomorrow, by God's grace, another generation will carry the Gospel forward.
Welcome to First Baptist Church of Independence.
Our history began in 1845. Our mission continues today.