BAPTIST.
The First Baptist Church of Atchison was organized in 1858, in Allen’s Hall, on the northwest corner of Second and Commercial streets. At the time of the organization there were but nine members, of whom three are still living and members of the church, though non-resident: Mrs. L. A. Alderson, Mrs. Aaron Stephenson and Mrs. Mary A. Challiss. Dr. W. L. Challiss was soon added to the membership. The lots on the corner of Ninth street and Kansas avenue were donated by Luther C. Challiss, and a house of worship was erected upon it, and this location has been the home of the church ever since.
Rev. L. A. Alderson was the first pastor of the church, and he served faithfully three years without salary. Then followed Rev. Dr. Perkins from New Jersey, and Rev. Frank Remington.
Just at this time the troubles of the war came on and very little could be accomplished. Rev. J. W. Warder became pastor in 1866 and the church grew strong under his ministry. Rev. H. A. Guild successfully served the church for a time in 1868. Rev. J. Sawyer accepted the pastorate, and then Rev. E. Gunn.
Rev. J. W. Luke was pastor directly before Rev. Mulford. He baptized some of our best workers and did excellent and permanent work for the church.
The twenty-fifth anniversary was fittingly celebrated at the home of Mrs. John M. Price, and a silver offering was received toward a new building which came soon after, under the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Mulford, who was called to his reward from here.
Rev. D. D. Proper followed and Rev. E. P. Brand and Rev. G. W. Rogers, all of whom served the church under great difficulties. There was a heavy debt left upon the new building, which was drawing a high rate of interest, and the constant calls for money which was paid with apparently no returns, discouraged the membership. Still, the pastors resolutely worked at the great task. Rev. G. W. Rogers undertook to raise $5,000 of the mortgage, and B. P. Waggener, who had always been a generous contributor, gave $2,000, and made a liberal loan besides. Not long after Rev. Rogers was called to another field, and again the church had a pastorless period, but greatly enjoyed the ministrations of the late Dr. Murphy. Rev. J. R. Comer was called to the pastorate June 1, 1895, and faithfully served the church twelve years. Much of the money pledged during Dr. Rogers’ pastorate was paid in or collected while Rev. J. R. Comer was pastor. Then the remaining $1,500 mortgage and all other debts were bravely taken up and paid, and the church celebrated its victory in burning the mortgage and a general rejoicing, and also a firm determination never to go deeply in debt again.
During the present pastorate of more than eight years the church has strictly followed this rule, but this has not prevented some large purchases. In 1909 the church purchased and placed a new pipe organ at a cost of $4,500, and two years later purchased the property adjoining the church on the west for the accommodation of the growing Sunday school. This was done at a cost of $5,500 for property and furniture, and the money was raised at a Sunday morning service. It is in the minds of many of the members of the church that in the near future there must be a new church building, and to that end over $6,000 has been accumulated and is being held for the time when the membership of the church shall be ready to erect a structure that shall be worthy of the city and an honor to God.
The work of the church has grown and developed and every department has accepted a larger share in work, local and world-wide. Last year the church contributed over $1,200 for missionary and benevolent work, besides some gifts which did not pass through the church treasury.
The church stands for a strong and helpful and constructive religious work, and a faithful adherence to the teachings of the Bible, and a loyalty to the Lordship of Christ. The present pastor is Rev. A. J. Haggett, who has served his congregation long and well.