THE BEGINNINGS

On May 30, 1939, a group of Baptists which had been meeting in a dwelling house were called to meet following the Sunday School hour in the Legion Hall where they transacted business for the organizing of a Baptist church. At this time a committee announced its progress.

On June 11, 1939, the mission congregation of Baptists met at the Altamont High School gym for prayer, songs, and Bible study. Then at 11 am, Ira J. Smith delivered an inspiring morning message. The congregation gathered at the city park following the morning service for a sumptuous basket dinner. At 2 pm, the proceedings commenced again in the gymnasium with A.E. Kretzer as moderator pro tem. The assembly adopted the New Hampshire articles of faith and church covenant and formed the First Baptist Church of Altamont. The leaders chosen at this meeting were Rev. Lee Lawler as moderator and Bro. Mark Camp as church clerk. Through the afternoon individuals presented themselves for church membership. The final count on that first day was 52 members received by letter and 2 candidates awaiting baptism.

In those early days the church was zealous for souls. A Sunday evening WMU presentation in December of 1939 concluded with seven making professions of faith and eight others joining the church. At the end of a 13-day brush arbor revival meeting in the fall of 1939 the membership stood at 101. It was noted that the church members were from nine different states with most coming from Oklahoma.

The early meetings of the church were in the American Legion Hall costing $2.00 per week rent. In the year of 1944 the Leitzell building was used for a rent of $300.00 per year. In March of 1941, 5% of the income was designated to missions. In March of 1946 the Old Assembly of God Church was purchased. In 1951 the first addition was built to the back of the auditorium. The parsonage was started in 1952, completed in 1953 and redecorated in 1954. The church auditorium was remodeled and new church furniture added in 1955. The year of 1957 saw the annex property purchased and in 1962 the parsonage was remodeled including finishing the upstairs. In 1965 the final addition was begun for the Educational Building wing. In 1975 a baptistery and two dressing rooms were built at back of the auditorium. In 1978 remodeling work was done on the auditorium with new lighting being installed. In 1981 new carpet and kitchen cabinets were added to the parsonage. In 1988 a bus ministry began in the fall and the church began using the parsonage as Sunday School rooms.