In the later 1800’s, when Clearwater was a young community, some people saw the need for a Baptist Church. Moses Parker and his brother William Parker were contacted in Illinois and asked to come to Clearwater and help start a Baptist Church. They came and the church was organized on Sept. 9, 1876. There were 18 charter members. The church recognized 100 years of service in 1976 with a grand celebration. Over the years we have been blessed with heart warming, soul winning, evangelistic revivals. In 1952, our church helped sponsor a mission church on South Seneca in Wichita. It was called South Seneca Baptist Church. Several members of First Baptist volunteered their services as teachers and helpers in this mission project. In addition, numerous ABC missions projects have been supported throughout the years. First Baptist has also supported Dean Chollar of Crossway International since he began his mission work in 1984. First Baptist has been through 3 building projects. The current sanctuary was completed in 1992. Construction of the fellowship hall and remodeling of the educational facility was completed in 2002. The most recent upgrade to the facilities included the repaving and expansion of the parking lot in 2007. The Lord has continued to bless First Baptist financially. Members of the church always come through when a financial need is made known. Bonds that were sold to construct the sanctuary were paid off several years early. The fellowship hall was partially financed with internal bonds as well as a bank loan. This obligation was also retired early, primarily as a result of large gifts from members. Though funds were again borrowed for the recent repaving project, First Baptist remains in solid financial condition with a positive cash flow relative to normal operations of the church. In the past 20 years, we have held 2 pastor ordination services: Wayne Ramsden in May of 1997 and Charles Baker in October of 1988. Over the past 15 years, the youth camp ministry has become an increasing focus for First Baptist. In the mid 1990’s, five high school members attended L-Bar-C camp in eastern Kansas. In 2007, there were 72 middle and high school youth in attendance, 26 of whom were church members. This is due in large part to a successful Wednesday night youth ministry program. Much time, effort and resources have been put into this outreach which consists of a meal followed by youth groups and Bible studies for all ages. Together with several other local churches, First Baptist actively supports the Clearwater Ministerial Alliance. Among other things, they plan a community wide church service held during the fall festival, plan 5th Sunday Singspirations, hold weekly vespers services at the nursing home and assisted living centers and coordinate the community food bank. In 1998, the church called the Rev. Jim Zier as pastor. The church prospered spiritually, materially and numerically under his leadership. Pastor Zier’s nine year tenure was the longest of any pastor at First Baptist. We have a fellowship of loving and supportive Christians who deeply care for each other. It is our prayer that we will continue to be a strong witness for Christ in our community and we seek a Godly pastor to lead us in that direction.