Archive History Of First Baptist Church of Janesville
JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) -- Janesville's First Baptist Church has stood the test of time. On Sunday, its congregation celebrated a birthday older than the state of Wisconsin itself.
After 175 years, this church remains strong.
"It's the staying power of the Lord, right?" said Cheryl Stacey, one of the people who helped organize Sunday's celebration.
The church recognized this latest milestone with a special service, a catered lunch and a special 175th birthday cake.
Dorothy Arneson was also on the committee who planned the event.
"Each meeting we had it was getting more exciting, couldn't wait until the day got here," Arneson said.
The First Baptist Church has lasted a long time, but it has not been an easy road. The church started in 1844 with just 13 people.
Over the next century, the congregation moved several times and survived two different fires, including one that burned the entire church to the ground.
In 1974, the congregation moved into their current building, not even waiting until the space was completely finished.
"We held services down here in the fellowship hall until the upstairs was done," Arneson remembered.
Through those ups and downs, many families have been in the church for generations.
"My great grandfather played in the orchestra in 1911," Stacey said. Her family history in the church goes back even further, to 1899.
For people like Cheryl Drozdowicz, the church holds some of life's best moments.
"I was married in this church in 1983 and of course that has special memories," Drozdowicz said. Drozdowicz's two daughters were also baptized in the church.
Many people in the congregation said they hope generations to come can continue to call the First Baptist Church home.
"[It] just makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself," Drozdowicz said.
By Sanika Bhargaw
Posted: Sun 7:59 PM, Oct 27, 2019
Updated: Sun 11:23 PM, Oct 27, 2019
After 175 years, this church remains strong.
"It's the staying power of the Lord, right?" said Cheryl Stacey, one of the people who helped organize Sunday's celebration.
The church recognized this latest milestone with a special service, a catered lunch and a special 175th birthday cake.
Dorothy Arneson was also on the committee who planned the event.
"Each meeting we had it was getting more exciting, couldn't wait until the day got here," Arneson said.
The First Baptist Church has lasted a long time, but it has not been an easy road. The church started in 1844 with just 13 people.
Over the next century, the congregation moved several times and survived two different fires, including one that burned the entire church to the ground.
In 1974, the congregation moved into their current building, not even waiting until the space was completely finished.
"We held services down here in the fellowship hall until the upstairs was done," Arneson remembered.
Through those ups and downs, many families have been in the church for generations.
"My great grandfather played in the orchestra in 1911," Stacey said. Her family history in the church goes back even further, to 1899.
For people like Cheryl Drozdowicz, the church holds some of life's best moments.
"I was married in this church in 1983 and of course that has special memories," Drozdowicz said. Drozdowicz's two daughters were also baptized in the church.
Many people in the congregation said they hope generations to come can continue to call the First Baptist Church home.
"[It] just makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself," Drozdowicz said.
By Sanika Bhargaw
Posted: Sun 7:59 PM, Oct 27, 2019
Updated: Sun 11:23 PM, Oct 27, 2019
The First Baptist Church of Janesville, was organized October 13, 1844 with thirteen Yankee settlers. Founded by Rev. Jeremiah Murphy, they built a church and was located at 102 South Cherry St. on 1851. In 1867 the church moved to South Jackson St. but the church burned in 1884 so they quickly rebuild
and then in 1974 moved again and now are located at 3414 Woodhall Drive.
A little church history, the State of Wisconsin became a state in 1848 and in 1908, the number of members became 710 and First Baptist Church became the largest Baptist church in Wisconsin. So the church has much history and remains one of the oldest churches in Janesville, WI.
The First Baptist Church of Janesville, was organized October 13, 1844 with thirteen Yankee settlers. Founded by Rev. Jeremiah Murphy, they built a church and was located at 102 South Cherry St. on 1851. In 1867 the church moved to South Jackson St. but the church burned in 1884 so they quickly rebuild
and then in 1974 moved again and now are located at 3414 Woodhall Drive.
A little church history, the State of Wisconsin became a state in 1848 and in 1908, the number of members became 710 and First Baptist Church became the largest Baptist church in Wisconsin. So the church has much history and remains one of the oldest churches in Janesville, WI.
First Baptist Church, 3414 Woodhall Dr., 1974
February 4, 1900
First Baptist Church Bulletin
First Baptist Church, 67 South Jackson St. 1884
First Baptist Church, 67 South Jackson St., 1950
History of the Harmonium of 1884
Holland's Janesville Directory 1867
First Baptist Church, 102 South Cherry St. 1851
