First Baptist Church History
On February 24, 1879, a public meeting was held at the Bad Axe School House to draw up a constitution for the First Baptist Society of Bad Axe. Two ladies and three men signed the constitution papers. They were Eva C. Donaldson, Mary Cole, George W. Hilton, Robert Philp, and James Cline. Robert Philp donated the lot where the original First Baptist Church was built in 1879. Great faith and vision were evidenced, for the records indicate that there were only nine members at that time. Disaster struck in 1881 when the church building was destroyed by fire. Another church edifice was built that same year at a cost of $3000. As time went on and the congregation grew, there was need for additional space. In 1961 a desirable site of 2 ½ acres, located on Outer Drive, was purchased. Ground was broken in May of 1965 and the first service in our current building was held on November 28, 1965. The total cost of the finished building, furnishings, and site exceeded $150,000. This cost was completely paid by June of 1975. Subsequently, the church family purchased a parsonage, located just a few houses up the street from the church building, for $53,000. This home was refurbished in 2016 through the generous donations of time, talents, treasures, and just plain hard work of many in the fellowship. First Baptist Church has been through many changes in the 140 years since its humble beginnings, but it has always received abundant blessings from the Lord. Praise the mighty name of Jesus!