A New Home
In 1963, with a congregation of 230 resident members, it was decided to embark on a building campaign to construct a new church building further from the downtown area. A building campaign began in 1964 and ground was broken in October of 1968, in the southwest part of town. The first services were held in the new church on January 4, 1970. Total cost for the new building was estimated to be $250,000. Twelve years after moving in the new church building, the last payment was made on the indebtedness and a “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” was held February 3, 1982.
Since that move 49 years ago, First Baptist Church has maintained a strong spiritual presence in the city of Sterling, experiencing seasons of growth and loss just as the community itself has changed. The church celebrated its 100th Anniversary in October, 1983. In anticipation of future growth and development, an additional parcel of land to the North of the current building was purchased in 1988. In 2008, a 125th Anniversary celebration was observed.
The building itself has undergone several remodeling and updating projects. In 1997, the sanctuary saw its first updating since construction including new carpeting and upholstery for the pews. Then, in 2009 a building campaign was initiated for further remodeling including the possibility of constructing additional classrooms and a possible gymnasium. In the end, the campaign generated enough support for the installation of new windows throughout the building, a new roof over the education wing, an update of the heating and air conditioning system, improvements to the sound system, and other needed cosmetic improvements. Most recently, the sanctuary was updated again in 2018 with new carpeting, the existing pews were replaced with chairs improving its seating flexibility, and the kitchen was also refurbished.