OUR HISTORY

Our Beginning

In 1890, a group of Baptist believers living in and around Eddy Town in the New Mexico Territory gathered to establish Eddy Missionary Baptist Church. Their mission was to serve the growing community, which had a population of 278.

As the congregation grew, its members longed for a permanent house of worship. In 1891, the church was incorporated as Eddy Missionary Baptist Church, and its Articles of Incorporation were filed in Santa Fe. The church secured land from the Township Company at the corner of what is now North Halagueno and West Stevens Street—the present site of the FBC Annex. When the building was completed, the congregation celebrated with great joy.

A Growing Church

The church continued to grow during the early twentieth century. Between 1904 and 1906, the original building underwent major renovations that added electric lights, a platform, and a baptistery.

By 1935, the congregation had outgrown its existing facilities and voted to construct a new Worship Center and Sunday School building. These buildings now serve as our present Worship Center and adjoining classrooms. The building’s capstone was placed in 1940.

Throughout the years, the Worship Center has been renovated and updated with new pews, stained-glass windows, and other features while continuing to serve as a place of worship for generations of believers.

A Legacy of Ministry

Throughout its history, First Baptist Church has remained committed to teaching the Word of God in Carlsbad and sharing the Gospel throughout the world.

The church has helped plant and support missions that later became independent Baptist churches. It has also provided financial assistance to help establish other churches in the Carlsbad area, many of which included charter members from the First Baptist Church family.

This legacy reflects the faithfulness of those who came before us and their desire to make Christ known both at home and beyond.

Continuing the Mission

Today, First Baptist Church continues to cooperate with other churches and ministries to share the Gospel and serve the Carlsbad community.



As we look toward the future, we remain grateful for the work the Lord has entrusted to us. We pray that we will continue to worship faithfully, serve joyfully, and obey God in all that we do.