175th anniversary at First Baptist, Elyria, Ohio
ELYRIA, Ohio—First Baptist Church spent the month of October celebrating its 175th anniversary, with the culmination on Sunday, Oct. 30.
In 1836 Daniel C. Wait went to Cleveland, Ohio, seeking a field of Christian service. Pastor Levi Tucker of First Baptist Church there advised Wait to plant a church in Elyria, a fairly new community. Six people came to the first meeting, and First Baptist Church of Elyria has remained a faithful part of the city since that day.
On Oct. 2, John Greening, national representative for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, addressed the First Baptist congregation on the topic “Building upon a Legacy of Faith.” The following Sunday, Pastor Patrick Odle continued the theme. He and his wife, Ruth, began their ministry at First Baptist in August of this year.
On Oct. 16, Pastors Josh Butler and Steve Anderson—two graduates of the church’s school, First Baptist Christian School—preached on the “Legacy of Instruction.” The previous evening featured an all-school reunion and dinner, with about 350 in attendance. Hundreds of young men and women have trained to serve the Lord with the foundation they were given at FBCS.
The focus of Oct. 23 was on the “Legacy of Evangelism.” God used First Baptist Church as the birthplace of two mission agencies and to send out many missionaries. Gary Anderson, president of Baptist Mid-Missions, Strongsville, Ohio, and David Little, president of Baptist Church Planters, Grafton, Ohio, preached on that Sunday. In addition, an offering was taken to establish the Quick Memorial Ministry Fund in honor of Bradley Quick, who faithfully served the Lord as pastor of First Baptist Church for 26 years. The fund will perpetuate Pastor Quick’s passion for training men and women for missions and pastoral ministry.
The climactic Sunday on Oct. 30 focused on a “Legacy of Hope” as the church family looked to its future. Dr. James Grier, former interim pastor, preached in the morning service. The day also included honoring special guests, dedicating a time capsule, and sharing a meal in the gymnasium.
On display throughout the month in the church foyer was the church’s Legacy Showcase, displaying important historical items and a timeline of the church’s history. A pictorial book, Legacy of Memories, is available for purchase.
- Read about Pastor Bradley Quick, who will be honored through the Quick Memorial Ministry Fund.
- Read about the church’s history.
