Our History

First Baptist Church of Elston, formerly known as Elston Baptist Church, was known as Sardis Church when it was founded in 1827.  Just Imagine, no railroads were available to carry freight or passengers to the area, but the pioneering men and women pushed west and the settlement of Lookout where Sardis Church was formed.

As taken from the church minutes.
“At a meeting held in the home of James Fulkerson in the County of Cole, State of Missouri, on Saturday, the 11th day of August, A.D. 1827 the following Presbytery met (to wit) John B. Longan, John Bowles, and David Allee, who at the request of the Baptist Association.  The members present were David Chambers, Jason Harrison, William T. Hines, Richard Lundy, Martin Gouge, Elizabeth Fulkerson and Isabella Hollingworth.  Seven in number who after due examination, were pronounced a Church, to act with full power and authority and as such…whereupon said church proceeded to do business.  Open a door for the reception of members and resolved that this church be called and known by the name of Sardis.”

The church did not immediately erect a church building, but met in the home of David Chambers who lived at “Lookout” about one and one-fourth miles northwest of Elston.  After which in 1838 a building was erected at Lookout.

After the Civil War (1860-1865) a new church was built in Elston and dedicated in 1885.  This building was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground August 24, 1924.

A new frame stuccoes building, seating 250, and basement, was built on the same site and dedicated in 1926.  In this building the Baptist and Methodists united for some thirty years.

Below is gallery of pictures of the monumental dates of our long history of serving the Lord.

Through the Years Gallery

August 6, 1961 with a full time program in mind the Sardis Baptist congregation moved to an adjacent one hundred year old school building purchased at a public auction.
In 1962 the church moved about two blocks north of Elston, after trading for a two-acre tract and erected the present building. On September 23, 1962 the church held a groundbreaking ceremony, the church was finished soon after.
This picture was taken in the 1980's. In 1962 the church moved about two blocks north of Elston, after trading for a two-acre tract and erected the present building. A 28’ X 54’ brick veneer structure with facilities in the basement was erected.
This picture is from the early to mid 1990's, wind guards were installed on the front entry.
In May 1987 the building committee signed a contract for the 40’ X 80’ activities building. The church was incorporated in June 1987 in the name of First Baptist Church of Elston, Inc.
September 22, 2002 members of First Baptist Church of Elston celebrate 175 years of ministry by turning the first shovels of dirt for the expansion of the sanctuary. Work was completed May 4, 2003.
Cartoon drawing done by local artist Jim Dyke for 190th Celebration. This was in the Jefferson City News Tribune newspaper. August, 2017
This picture was taken May 2018 showing the front side of the church building.