The website for Faribault First Baptist affirms the church’s purpose “to exalt Christ’s name together by worshiping Christ, serving Christ, reaching others for Christ, learning about Christ, and fellowship because of Christ.”
Pastor Daniel Mead has led this congregation since 1988. The church has worshiped at its 1108 Westwood Drive location since 1970, but First Baptist’s heritage dates back to 1856 when the Faribault church was one of six organized by Timothy Cressey in Minnesota. For two years he served as pastor of this church that began with 20 members.
The first baptism of new converts indicates the hearty, brave character of our Minnesota Baptist forefathers. Thirteen converts were immersed in the Straight River on February 7, 1858, while 20 Sioux stood among the spectators.
Ladies of the church paid $158 for land to erect the first house of worship which was dedicated February 4, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War and less than 6 months after the Sioux Uprising in southern Minnesota.
This building served the congregation until they built a new building in 1918. Under the leadership of Pastor A.E. Kelley, the church joined the General Association of Baptist Churches (GARB).
The church began its AWANA program in 1967 and continues it today. First Baptist had an active deaf ministry for a number of years under the leadership of Jim Spellman, who has now retired. Outreach to the deaf is now limited, and the church would like to find a deaf missionary pastor to carry on this important work.
Resources:
firstbaptistfaribault.org
Telephone conversation with Pastor Mead
