First Baptist Historical Highlight

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In 1913, E.C. Stewart along with his family ventured from Steelton PA, just outside of Harrisburg, PA to the small steel mill community of Midland, Pennsylvania, and established what is now known as the First Baptist Church. In 1917 two lots were purchased on 5th Street and Penn Avenue for the purpose of erecting a sanctuary. In 1919, the congregation built and paid for the first level of a two-story building. The second floor was completed in 1926. The stones used for the construction were donated by the Pittsburgh Steel Company. In 1991, the Rev. Gary H. Borders led the church through the construction of a mega addition and renovation for the church. The addition increased the size of the sanctuary and dining area by 33 percent.

 

Over the years, under the leadership of various pastors, including the current Pastor, Rev. Cordell Fountain, the First Baptist Church has grown financially, spiritually and numerically. The church became a revered part of Midland, known for its community outreach and involvement.

 

In September of 2018, shortly after the church celebrated its 105th Anniversary, the sanctuary was destroyed by a devastating fire. The spirit of the membership was “struck down, but not destroyed” as they watched what had once been an icon of the community, go up in flames.

The Lord displayed His grace and love through an awesome outreach from the Midland community and surrounding areas. The Greater Faith Family Worship Center showed support to First Baptist by opening their doors to serve as a host church building while First Baptist sought to rebuild. First Baptist held regular Sunday Services at Greater Faith until the well documented Coronavirus halted  in-person worship globally. During the Coronavirus pandemic period, First Baptist continued to worship via online and conference call services.

 

In 2021, under the leadership of Pastor Fountain, the congregation purchased and renovated an existing church building located at 370 Beaver Street, Beaver, Pennsylvania. The renovation was completed, and the first service was held in February 2022.

 

Under the leadership of Pastor Cordell Fountain and Associate Pastor Rev. Frank Perkins, the First Baptist church family is pursing the mission of making disciples based on “Faith, Relationships, Evangelism, Stewardship, and Healing.” It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to do what He started in 1913.