Back in 1945, a group of 13 individuals had a vision and
organized a congregation as a mission of the Salinas First Southern
Baptist Church. Next weekend that church, the First Baptist Church
of Gilroy, welcomes South County residents to join in a celebration
of 60 years of service to God and the local community.
Back in 1945, a group of 13 individuals had a vision and organized a congregation as a mission of the Salinas First Southern Baptist Church. Next weekend that church, the First Baptist Church of Gilroy, welcomes South County residents to join in a celebration of 60 years of service to God and the local community.
The weekend’s theme, “Sixty Years of Yesterday, Today, and Forever,” is based on a passage in the New Testament book of Hebrews (13:8). All activities will be held at the church at 8455 Wren Ave.
The first event will be a Fellowship Dinner on Saturday, June 4, at 6pm when a festive catered meal will be served by the youth of the church. There will be no admission charge, but anyone who would like to attend should call (408) 847-6000 for reservations.
A program will follow at 7pm. Official greetings will be offered by Mayor Al Pinheiro, and there will be special music as well as opportunities for congregational singing. Then will follow recognition of longtime members and messages from former pastors. Dr. Mark Milwee, the church’s current pastor, will welcome guests, and there will be an open mic for people to share memories of the past six decades.
The celebration will continue Sunday at 10am with a brunch served in the Fellowship Hall. At 10:45, a celebration service will follow in the church with several special guests, including Rick Murchow, music minister at Saddleback Community Church; Dr. Fermin Whitaker, executive director of the California Southern Baptist Association; and Christian recording artist and worship leader Beverly Blount.
Several souvenirs of this joyful occasion will be given to participants: an updated book telling the history of Gilroy FBC, a CD of favorite songs of the church and a DVD of both Saturday’s and Sunday’s celebrations.
Pastor Milwee invites all in the community who have had ties to the church through the years to “come and share the joy of this important milestone in its life.
When Gilroy FIrst Baptist Church was established, services were held in a small building behind Hall’s Western Clothing Store downtown. In 1947 the congregation rented space from the Christian Church for services.
By 1949 a lot was purchased at the corner of Sixth and Hanna streets, and construction began on a building which was completed in November of that year. A parsonage was added in 1958. In 1961 a 2,800-square-foot education building was also added. The city of Gilroy purchased this entire site in 1972, and it currently serves as the Gilroy Senior Center.
Meanwhile, in 1961, Gilroy FBC purchased its current location on Wren Avenue. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held in July of 1974, and worship was held there for the first time March 2, 1975. An education building was completed later that year, and a two-story Fellowship Hall and classroom complex was dedicated in January, 1982.
The First Baptist Church has had a long history of service to South County: It assisted in opening mission churches in Morgan Hill, San Martin and Hollister; members serve faithfully at the homeless shelter in the National Guard Armory across the street; it supports financially St. Joseph’s Center, provides facilities for monthly Red Cross blood drives, regularly gives food and clothing to the Ochoa Migrant Camp, helps to subsidize the program of the Crisis Pregnancy Center and operates many other important ministries for local residents.
