News

Update Of The 1895 Sanctuary

First Baptist Church of Independence organized in 1845 has ministered in the Independence, Missouri area for 177 years.  Protecting the stained glass windows from further deterioration, a new roof, new paint, and the repair of the bell tower are just a few of the projects that have been completed in the oldest building (1895) in the last few years.

From prairie churches to urban cathedrals and synagogues, historic sacred places are often the oldest, and most beautiful, buildings within our communities.

Preserving our historic building and hearing from God about the future use of the building are a priority with church members.  It is our loving church endeavor.

If you would like to contribute time or funds to help us continue the preservation, please contact Pastor Kevin Payne at the church office 816-252-3377 and we will help you become involved.  

GoFundMe Site

Our church recently made the decision to raise funds to help with our Save Our Sanctuary program, using an internet-based program called “GoFundMe.”  We are now ready to begin receiving donations towards the renovation of our old Sanctuary.  If you would like to give to our Sanctuary project, and would like to use the GoFundMe site, you can use the following procedures:  go to the GoFundMe website and click search and enter First Baptist Church of Independence - S.O.S. Save Our Sanctuary.

Below is additional information on the GoFundMe site S.O.S. Save Our Sanctuary:

You don't know us - yet. We are the First Baptist Church of Independence, MO. Ok. I know what you're thinking. Another church asking for money. First and foremost however, we want to know about you. How are you doing spiritually?* What is your relationship with God? Do you love, honor and serve Him? Is there something missing in your life? We would love to help you with these questions!


Believe us, money is not the answer to our problems. That's not the only thing we need from you. We need YOU!** We need lives transformed, loving and serving one another. God's word, love and the teachings of Jesus are eternal. If you can't be a part of our church, we urge you to find a Bible preaching church somewhere.


Remember the words of Jesus, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)


Independence, MO was the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails, with many seeking their own "independence" westward. We are also home of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, who would on occasion attend First Baptist Church. (HIs home is just two blocks away.)


The First Baptist Church was organized in 1845 and one sanctuary or another has been on this site since 1889. This building was constructed on the foundation of the 1889 church destroyed by fire in 1894. It is on the National Historic Register. Improvements were made to it over the years. We had an orchestra in 1903 and a pipe organ was added by 1908. 1918 was a busy year, adding steam heat, hardwood floors, carpet runners, chandelier and wall lights along with repairing stained glass windows. The church also helped form the City Welfare Organization that year. We out grew this sanctuary in the 1980's and build a new one adjacent to it in 1986. The 1895 building was already in need of some repair at that point.


We still have current members with fond memories there of growing up, being married and serving God in this grand old building. Standing in the midst of the auditorium is a humbling, reverent and spiritual experience pondering the work God has done there over the years. It is like taking a trip through history as you admire the architecture at that time. You can almost hear the playing of the pipe organ!


Once restored, the 1895 sanctuary could be used for tours with it being on the National Historic Register, worship services, Gospel concerts, (all sanctioned and approved by our church membership) or even shared with another Christian organization. We thank you for your response.


May God richly bless you!


These are the issues we need to address:

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Arnie Cole (Back to the Bible)