History:

First Baptist Church of Arkansas City, Kansas was organized in 1882, accomplished
under the inspiration and direction of the Reverend James Cairns, who was at the time pastor of the First Baptist Church of Winfield. There were eleven charter members.

The first pastor of First Baptist Church was Rev. F.L. Walker. He was called in 1884. The same year, the church began to build at the site where the present educational building now stands. The church was dedicated the next year with a membership of 52. The original building was twice remodeled and enlarged, first in 1887, when the church reported 153 members. The second time was in 1912. Plans for a new building began in the 1920's.

In April of 1925 the corner lots where the church now stands were purchased with visions of a new church building. Excavation began on February 1, 1927. On June 9 the cornerstone was laid by the pastor of the church, with appropriate ceremonies. The work was finished in time for the first service to be held in the new church on December 18, 1927. The text of the first sermon was Matthew 21:13; "A House of Prayer."

The Sunday School program grew at First Baptist and space began to be at a premium. As a result, an educational building fund was established in 1959. The new educational building adjoining the west wing of the church became a reality on March 1, 1963. It accommodates Sunday School classes and nursery facilities along with a multi-purpose room and adjoining kitchen.