From the very beginning of the town of Bigheart (now Barnsdall), Baptists have played an important role in meeting the spiritual needs of the community. Many of the earliest pioneers who settled along the Midland Valley Railroad right-of-way and on the hill west of the proposed townsite of Bigheart recognized the need for a place to worship God. These settlers came together and received permission to use the waiting room of the train station to hold afternoon, non-denominational worship services.
Three ministers from Pawhuska regularly traveled to Bigheart to conduct Sunday School and church services, rotating in their preaching responsibilities. As the town continued to grow and more Baptists made Bigheart their home, there arose a desire to establish a Baptist church like the ones they had known “back home.” According to the minutes of the first organizational meeting held on August 31, 1921, the ten individuals present expressed their desire to formally organize a Baptist church in Bigheart.
The newly formed Baptist Church first met in a store building located in the 600 block of West Main Street, near the present-day location of the Bigheart Museum. This group of believers was deeply committed to Christian service and longed for a building of their own. They soon purchased property at Third Street and Maple Avenue—a location remembered by “old timers” as once having been a moonshiner’s tent. A frame building measuring 32 feet by 58 feet was constructed and served as the church’s main sanctuary for many years. Through several extensive renovations, the life of this building was significantly extended.
During its time in this building, the church experienced pastoral transitions while continuing to grow with the Lord’s guidance. Many members went on to serve God in various ministries, both near and far. The church developed a strong heart for missions, assisting other congregations in communities near Barnsdall. It even provided financial support to a couple of churches in Kansas, helping them fulfill their mission work.
In August 1990, First Baptist Church of Barnsdall relocated once again to its current location. Today, the church continues to serve faithfully, striving to share the Good News of the Gospel within the community and around the world.
