How it all started...
Having heard that there was a need for a Baptist church building in the Monterey area, Mr. and Mrs. Holice Hogan of Coushatta, Louisiana, donated one acre of the S.P. Crane estate on July 17, 1953, for the purpose of building a Baptist church. The first spade of ground was turned at the groundbreaking ceremony on October 4, 1953. Construction of the building began a few weeks later. This became Monterey First Baptist Church. Sunday School classes were held in the new auditorium on the first Sunday in January 1954. In the spring of 1957, Sunday School rooms were added. By that time there were 35 members.
Expanding the vision...
In 1977, land was donated for a new building to be constructed at the corner of Highway 129 and 906. This site for the second building, after some property exchanges, was donated by Mrs. Julia B. Hall and Mrs. May Ford and Bruce Green. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on June 19, 1977. On March 5, 1978, the new building was dedicated. Church membership was 186 at the time. On December 4, 1983, a $150,000 note burning ceremony was held. The note had been paid off in less than six years. Since that time, a Family Life Center, including a gymnasium, Sunday School Rooms, and a modern kitchen was constructed. A parsonage was built in 1987.
Where we are headed...
Since our very first service in January 1954, Monterey First Baptist Church has remained deeply committed to maintaining, updating, and honoring the Lord’s property. This legacy of dedication reached a major milestone in March 1978 when we celebrated our first service in the new sanctuary building, followed by the expansion of our campus in 1987 with the construction of the New Life Center and parsonage. Over the decades, each renovation and new build has reflected our community's heart for preservation and growth. Looking ahead, our continued plans are to remain faithful stewards of His property together, ensuring that our facilities serve our congregation and honor God for generations to come.
