First Baptist Church of Denver was organized prior to Colorado's statehood and during the American Civil War era on May 2, 1864, and is the oldest Baptist congregation in Denver as well as Colorado. 


The present building was constructed in 1934 through 1936. Our "architecturally significant" building has been recognized as a Denver Historic Landmark. It was constructed in the "Christopher Wren" style, found mostly on the East Coast and in England. The solid granite columns at the front of the building are so large, they were turned on a lathe in the middle of 14th Avenue during construction of the building. Elegant granite and marble stonework in the narthex of the building near the front columns are noteworthy. We are currently in the final phases of a multi-year restoration of the building.

Over the years, our congregation has changed. First Baptist suffered from the typical “urban flight” as families moved to be suburbs and found churches in their neighborhoods. At one point, we were barely a viable church, but with strong leadership of Pastor Gary Bowser and renewed interest by the community, First Baptist Church has begun to recover and grow again. Several members have been a part of First Baptist for decades and remember this time. What a blessing to see growth and excitement in our midst! All of us recognize the odds of revitalizing a church in decline are not great. Through God’s great help and the partnership of many amazing miracles, this is being accomplished!

First Baptist was blessed in 2007 when members of Church of the Master (an American Baptist Church that ironically was a mission/church plant by First Baptist members over 100 years prior) decided to sell their building and join with First Baptist members. This congregation was officially dissolved the end of 2008, and many of the former Church of the Master members became members at First Baptist and remain active to this day.

Adding to the excitement, the leadership of an independent evangelical congregation called Open Door Community Church of Denver explored the mission and vision of First Baptist Church of Denver and, after meeting with Pastor Gary Bowser and conducting some joint services, decided their goals, worship style and congregation would be better suited in a partnership with First Baptist. Members of Open Door officially came over in June of 2008 and began joining the church and adding to our already-growing talent and programs.

Among all the people from various congregations that have joined with First Baptist, there is a consensus among all of us that our coming together has been exciting, innovative and led by the Holy Spirit. It happened with textbook success! The lack of conflict, the spirit of unity, the non-territorial spirit of all involved, and the ability to catch the vision of a vibrant church ministering to the city of Denver and it’s suburbs has caught on. These days, we have members in our immediate general vicinity and neighborhood and members who drive in to be with their church family from all over the metro area in every direction.

No longer do you hear very often where people came from, but  you witness a united family of believers working together for a common purpose. Since the beginning of 2008, we’ve taken in several dozen MORE members, and they keep coming.

Our future history has yet to be written, but we are confident and excited that, with God’s continued help and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, that we will continue to grow and prosper. Perhaps you too will be a part of our history, the history of a diverse people known as First Baptist Church of Denver, as we move forward in spiritual, financial and numerical growth.

First Baptist Church of Denver was organized prior to Colorado's statehood and during the American Civil War era on May 2, 1864, and is the oldest Baptist congregation in Denver as well as Colorado. 

 


The present building was constructed in 1934 through 1936. Our "architecturally significant" building has been recognized as a Denver Historic Landmark. It was constructed in the "Christopher Wren" style, found mostly on the East Coast and in England. The solid granite columns at the front of the building are so large, they were turned on a lathe in the middle of 14th Avenue during construction of the building. Elegant granite and marble stonework in the narthex of the building near the front columns are noteworthy. We are currently in the final phases of a multi-year restoration of the building.

 

Over the years, our congregation has changed. First Baptist suffered from the typical “urban flight” as families moved to be suburbs and found churches in their neighborhoods. At one point, we were barely a viable church, but with strong leadership of Pastor Gary Bowser and renewed interest by the community, First Baptist Church has begun to recover and grow again. Several members have been a part of First Baptist for decades and remember this time. What a blessing to see growth and excitement in our midst! All of us recognize the odds of revitalizing a church in decline are not great. Through God’s great help and the partnership of many amazing miracles, this is being accomplished!

 

First Baptist was blessed in 2007 when members of Church of the Master (an American Baptist Church that ironically was a mission/church plant by First Baptist members over 100 years prior) decided to sell their building and join with First Baptist members. This congregation was officially dissolved the end of 2008, and many of the former Church of the Master members became members at First Baptist and remain active to this day.

 

Adding to the excitement, the leadership of an independent evangelical congregation called Open Door Community Church of Denver explored the mission and vision of First Baptist Church of Denver and, after meeting with Pastor Gary Bowser and conducting some joint services, decided their goals, worship style and congregation would be better suited in a partnership with First Baptist. Members of Open Door officially came over in June of 2008 and began joining the church and adding to our already-growing talent and programs.

 

Among all the people from various congregations that have joined with First Baptist, there is a consensus among all of us that our coming together has been exciting, innovative and led by the Holy Spirit. It happened with textbook success! The lack of conflict, the spirit of unity, the non-territorial spirit of all involved, and the ability to catch the vision of a vibrant church ministering to the city of Denver and it’s suburbs has caught on. These days, we have members in our immediate general vicinity and neighborhood and members who drive in to be with their church family from all over the metro area in every direction.

 

No longer do you hear very often where people came from, but  you witness a united family of believers working together for a common purpose. Since the beginning of 2008, we’ve taken in several dozen MORE members, and they keep coming.

 

Our future history has yet to be written, but we are confident and excited that, with God’s continued help and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, that we will continue to grow and prosper. Perhaps you too will be a part of our history, the history of a diverse people known as First Baptist Church of Denver, as we move forward in spiritual, financial and numerical growth.