Our Story

In 1892, Rev. James Samis, a Baptist minister, held the first Baptist service in Olds, Alberta, in a log farmhouse, marking the founding of First Baptist Church. Services continued in homes and a schoolhouse, with early baptisms in a local creek. By 1901, the congregation purchased and remodeled a schoolhouse, dedicating it in 1903. Despite challenges like the Great Depression, the church grew under various pastors, adding a parsonage (1919) and remodeling (1922). In 1956, a new church site was acquired, and by 1961, a new sanctuary was dedicated, followed by expansions in 1974 and 1996 to accommodate growth. The church weathered economic hardships and membership fluctuations, sustained by faithful members and support from the Western Baptist board. Outreach expanded with ministries like Sunday School, AWANA, youth programs, and global missions, with 36% of the 2016 budget dedicated to missions. By 2017, with a membership of 215 and average attendance of 525, the church offered diverse programs, including GriefShare, DivorceCare, and partnerships with Olds College. Celebrating 125 years, First Baptist Church remains committed to proclaiming God’s Word, making disciples, and serving Olds and beyond, guided by a vision of faith and love (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

First Baptist Church would like to welcome Treyton Niemans to the pastoral staff.  Treyton is not new to us, as he has spent the last year with us as our youth intern. We are grateful to the Lord's provision of adding this young man to our staff.

First Baptist Church is to be "a church with a passion for God and a love for people." Our mission as a church is to reproduce disciples of Jesus Christ in Olds and around the world who have a passion for God and a love for people.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we commit . . .

• to continual growth in our expression of our love for God in worship. 
• to continual growth in our love and understanding of and our obedience to the Word of God.
• to continual growth in our practical caring expression of God's love for all people.
• to the practical expression of God's goodness to all people by acts of service in our church, community, and world.
• to continual growth in our expression to the surrounding world of the good news that through faith in Jesus Christ, all people can know and experience the love of God.