First Baptist Church

Historic First Baptist Church

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Nicodemus, Kansas

Significance:

First Church in Nicodemus

Designation:

National Historic Site

The First Baptist Church has a unique history in Nicodemus. Religion was very important for the settlers of Nicodemus as the town was settled by several preachers. The First Baptist Church was established in 1878 by Reverend Silas Lee, with the first services being held in a dugout. Church members who wanted to be baptized were baptized in a creek located on Thomas Johnson's homestead north of town. Thomas Johnson was a deacon of the church and arrived with the first colony in September 17, 1877. Eventually the congregation built a small limestone church in 1880. As the town grew the church grew and the congregation needed a larger building, which was built in 1907. This larger church building was constructed around the smaller one which was demolished piece by piece and removed out the door and windows of the newer church building. The congregation did this so that they could continue to hold church services while the new church was being built. The First Baptist Church was the first building in Nicodemus to receive electricity in early 1950. The congregation built a newer building north of the church in 1975. Currently, Nicodemus First Baptist Church is still active, with the congregation meeting every Sunday to worship.