Fairbanks Baptist Church was founded in 1828. Its origins lie in a group of believers from Turman Creek Baptist Church.
Those interested in forming the new church sought help from other Christians and asked them to create a council of ‘presbytery.’ That first meeting in 1828 was held at the home of Joseph Ransford. Thomas Kennedy was appointed moderator and Abner Davis was appointed council clerk. Those intending to form the church were examined by the council and were found “orthodox and orderly.” The right hand of fellowship was extended to them by the council, and they were pronounced a church of Jesus Christ.
After first inviting Christians from other churches to sit in council with them, the body of believers unanimously chose the designation of “Fairbanks” for the name of their church.
The church called William Stansel to assume the pastoral care of the church. Many of the first officers of the church bore names that are still common in the community today. Joseph Ransford Jr. was appointed treasurer and James Drake, clerk.
The church’s first building was made of logs and built-in 1834 on the land of John Lloyd, about 1 mile south of town and on the road to Shelburn. The building did not last long but the well the church used was still visible up into the 1970’s.
A new building was built in 1840 on the southern edge of the property owned by the church. The building site is now a part of the cemetery. In 1871 the church was again in need of a new building. In March of that year, the church decided to build a new meeting house just slightly to the North of the current location. At this time a couple, Benjamin and Sarah Drake deeded the present property to the church for $40.
The building came to an end when the roof collapsed in June 1905. A new building was built on the old site and finished by November of that same year. The church met in the Fairbanks Methodist Church until the new building was completed. The building built in 1905 is the one in use today.
In March of 1944, Bill Stone was called to pastor the church. Until then the church had been a part-time church with services usually on two Sundays each month. During the ministry of Bill Stone, the church decided to become ‘full-time’ and began meeting every Sunday.
It should be noted that the church has survived solely by God’s grace, along with her unique ability to adjust when the times demand it. We look forward to continuing to impact our community with the Gospel as we’ve done for centuries.
