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Benson First Baptist Church
History
Early in the year of 1946, several women met regularly for Bible Study and prayer. Sensing a need for a Baptist Church, they began to pray for a man of God to be given to assist in the establishment of such a church. On November 24,1946, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Layman, the First Baptist Church of Benson, Arizona was organized under the leadership of Rev. J. I. Jones.
The first meetings were held in a tent, which was pitched on the corner of 6th Street and Huachuca Street where a sign reading "First Baptist Church" was hung on the front of the church. Rev. Jones was called to be the Pastor, and church was open to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the winning of the lost to Him.
Due to increase in membership, in May of 1947, an army barracks from Ft. Huachuca was secured for $1,000.00. It was moved to Benson, remodeled for $5,000.00, and served as both chapel and parsonage. The first service was held in this building in October, 1947.
The infant church, though small and young, became burdened for missions. Ten percent of its regular offerings were set-aside for missions, plus special designated mission drives.
The church, though independent and autonomous, saw the need for fellowship with other churches of like faith and interests. Therefore, to strengthen its cords, it associated itself with the Arizona Baptist Convention and Conservative Baptist Association of America.
Through hard work, sacrifice and volunteer labor, the auditorium on 6th Street was built and dedicated on August 23, 1950.
In 1986, due the vision of Pastor Al Ransom and the congregation, the church began to pray for the Lord's direction concerning a new building. A "Long Range Planning Committee" was formed, and today, the Lord has blessed us with two beautiful buildings and room to grow. Again, with much prayer, sacrifice and volunteer help, First Baptist Church, 983 South Ocotillo, Benson, AZ, held its first service on February 26, 2006 under the leadership of Pastor AB Blair. It still proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the winning of souls, and has a heart for missions.
Early in the year of 1946, several women met regularly for Bible Study and prayer. Sensing a need for a Baptist Church, they began to pray for a man of God to be given to assist in the establishment of such a church. On November 24,1946, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Layman, the First Baptist Church of Benson, Arizona was organized under the leadership of Rev. J. I. Jones.
The first meetings were held in a tent, which was pitched on the corner of 6th Street and Huachuca Street where a sign reading "First Baptist Church" was hung on the front of the church. Rev. Jones was called to be the Pastor, and church was open to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the winning of the lost to Him.
Due to increase in membership, in May of 1947, an army barracks from Ft. Huachuca was secured for $1,000.00. It was moved to Benson, remodeled for $5,000.00, and served as both chapel and parsonage. The first service was held in this building in October, 1947.
The infant church, though small and young, became burdened for missions. Ten percent of its regular offerings were set-aside for missions, plus special designated mission drives.
The church, though independent and autonomous, saw the need for fellowship with other churches of like faith and interests. Therefore, to strengthen its cords, it associated itself with the Arizona Baptist Convention and Conservative Baptist Association of America.
Through hard work, sacrifice and volunteer labor, the auditorium on 6th Street was built and dedicated on August 23, 1950.
In 1986, due the vision of Pastor Al Ransom and the congregation, the church began to pray for the Lord's direction concerning a new building. A "Long Range Planning Committee" was formed, and today, the Lord has blessed us with two beautiful buildings and room to grow. Again, with much prayer, sacrifice and volunteer help, First Baptist Church, 983 South Ocotillo, Benson, AZ, held its first service on February 26, 2006 under the leadership of Pastor AB Blair. It still proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the winning of souls, and has a heart for missions.