FIRST BAPTIST FOCUS AND EVENTS

                                                                       October 2026

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First Baptist Church is celebrating the 150th Anniversary. The following is a summary of 1976 – present

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FBC began its second century with a 100th Anniversary celebration while the nation celebrated the 200th Anniversary. A week of events ended with a Colonial Service; dressing in antique costume, not using
lights, microphones or the organ.

During the 1970’s FBC acquired the Herold property to the east of the church. The house and garage were torn down and the lot became a parking lot for the 180-200 attendees cars and trucks.

Worship services were held regularly with special services for visiting missionaries, a layman’s Sunday (lead entirely by the men), a women’s Sunday and a Youth Sunday. A Sonrise service was held early
on Easter morning, a Maunday Thursday service included washing of the feet, two Christmas Eve Candlelight services and a Watch Night Service on New Year’s Eve (weather permitting). A Hanging
of the Greens service was begun in the 1980’s for the Advent season by decorating the church with
greens, candles and christmons; Advent candles were included in services during Advent.

Wednesday night Bible Studies were held for in-dept special topics, except during the summer.

Sunday School classes were held for all ages from pre-school through adult. Children as well as adults
earned points for Sunday School and Worship attendance and were rewarded with attendance pins and bars showing the years earned. Some adults had bars for 20+ years. The annual Sunday School picnic
was a special event, held at Sannauk Forest Preserve or a member’s home. It included grilling out, many pot luck dishes, ice cream, visiting and games. Children who finished the 3 rd grade class and showed their Bible knowledge were awarded Bibles. All children participated in the Christmas pageant, enjoyed a Halloween party with games, movies, treats and costume judging.

Vacation Bible School was held annually with 50-70 children attending. Activities were originally held for five days, later for five mornings. In 2010, FBC partnered with the First Lutheran Church and United Methodist Church to sponsor a community Vacation Bible School.

Youth groups for Junior High and High School were very active in the 1980’s and 1990”s. They attended youth retreats at other Baptist Churches in Illinois, attended Blackhawk Baptist Camp at
Dixon, IL in the summer and bicycle camps in the fall. The youth shared a “Youth Space” with time for
devotions, games and refreshments.

To be continued in November……….