In 1883, Bozeman’s First Baptist Church was formed with eleven members. The congregation met in homes and other downtown locations until relocating to the corner of Black Avenue and Olive Street with a new church building in 1896. Our current structure was built in 1911 on land purchased from Nelson Story Jr. Larger in size, the church grew to its largest attendance in 1915 with almost 500 members. Considering the size of Bozeman at the time, a sizable portion of Bozemanites worshipped as Baptists. Without the influx of numerous denominations, First Baptist Church was one of the only Protestant congregations in the city.

Over the years, First Baptist has participated and contributed to numerous worship mission projects to provide food, clothing and housing. Supporting missionaries is a hallmark as the Gospel message and service were taken around the globe. Caring for the poor and those in need has brought a focus upon the local community with countless families and individuals being blessed by the generous concern and giving by First Baptist members.

A current focus of the church is on community teens. The Rock Youth Center was completed in late summer of 2006. On 11th Street across from Bozeman Senior High and Chief Joseph Middle School, the center provides a safe place for youth to hang out, get a meal, study and have fun. As a shared facility, the Rock provides meeting space for various Christian youth groups like FCA and Young Life. 

What does the future hold? With thirteen acres of land on Fowler Avenue near the mall, the church will expand to provide ministry and outreach and community service at a third site. That’s what First Baptist Church is all about- serving Bozeman and making it a better community for Christ’s sake.