In the late 1800’s two men became very concerned about the need for a Baptist church in the Dixon community. In 1897 a group of local people meet with the associational missionary of Miller County and the “First Baptist Church of Dixon” was born. Out of those 12 charter members, God grew the congregation of today.
When growth demanded a larger space, members purchased a lot in July of 1898. The building was dedicated to the Lord on July 16, 1899. With room to grow new programs were added like Sunday School (May 1899) and the Women’s Missionary Society (April 1900).
In June 12, 1901 the church left the Miller County Association and join the Pulaski Baptist Association.
Through the years, God continued to bless the congregation with much growth. By 1951, members once again began looking to build a building that would accommodate the work God had planned. On August 10, 1952, the laying of the cornerstone for the new building was held. The first services were held in the new building on February 22, 1953.
In recent years, ministry needs have brought about many changes to the 1953 structure. The addition of an elevator for the disabled and elderly was completed in the summer of 2002. A better equipped nursery, remodeled bathrooms and fellowship hall, new-lower level Sunday school rooms for the children, and a new roof were just a few of the improvements made to the facilities.
Only 13 different men have served as pastor of this church. When put in prospective of over 100 years, it becomes easy to see that God’s hand has been with the leadership of this church and its members.
First Baptist continues to expand its ministry reaches in the Dixon community by offering new programs such as a children’s puppet team, the FAITH Strategy, expanded youth and children’s programs, the Dixon Banner monthly newspaper and website, www.dixonfbc.com.
While buildings, people, and programs have changed through the course of the church’s history, one thing remains: the truth of the gospel message that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, h lived a perfect life, died a death he did not deserve-suffering for our wrongdoings, and rose again on the third day so that we might have eternal life with him.
No matter what challenges First Baptist Church will face as it journeys through the 21st century, it is a church that will do what it takes to share a timeless message in an ever-changing world.
