About Us:

Prior to 1941, First Baptist Church was known as the German Baptist Church or South Side Baptist Church. The early day members of this church were German immigrants. Some came directly to Ellinwood from Germany, while others settled in other parts of the country before coming here.


It was a new land they came to. Barton County was organized in 1872. Some were disappointed to find that this was not the land of milk and honey as they had been led to believe, but a land of drought and grasshoppers instead. They struggled with a new language, burned cow chips for fuel and made their mattresses of ticking and corn husks. Death visited their homes often. Many babies, children and young adults died.

They felt they needed to gather together for worship, Bible study and fellowship. The first church services were held in homes. At least one of these homes was a one room sod house with the furniture carried outside to make room. Many of the members traveled long distances to attend church. Baptisms took place in the Arkansas river, usually on Sunday afternoons any time of year. It was told that they would sometimes have to break up ice on the river in preparation for a baptism.

They desired a disciplined congregation and were obedient to the words in Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness." This group has been blessed through the years with dedicated spiritual leaders. Our pastors who, in early times, left an easier life and better pay in the east to endure the hardships of the frontier ministered to our church, as well as the church that is currently Calvary Baptist in Stafford, KS.

On the day of organization, May 28, 1879, they recorded their prayer that the church be a lighthouse in the community and that the congregation not forget missions or the preaching of the gospel and remember the cross where the Lord suffered.