We would like to take just a moment to introduce ourselves to you. First Baptist Church of Laurel has been in existence for over 50 years. We are still as committed to the teaching of Jesus Christ as when the Church was first started.

Without shame we hold the Bible as being God’s Word without error, and that it is the very foundation for the Christian life.

We want to encourage you to come and visit us this Sunday. We promise we will be friendly and welcome you. Why do we want you to come? Because we believe that the Bible has the answers to all of life’s most important questions, and we really want to share them with you!

Our History

First Baptist Church of Laurel, Montana had humble beginnings as a Bible study group in a garage. From the purchase of an unfinished house and seven lots, its official organization on December 14, 1953, the steady growth that necessitated a church building in 1956, to today, it has remained true to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.

God called some faithful men to pastor this work over the years. Pastor Sheldon Helsley was the first pastor. Dr. Arthur W. Allen–who, as the Inter-Mountain Baptist Fellowship field director, organized the church in its infancy–became its next pastor from 1955 to 1966. Pastor Edward Watke took the pastorate from 1966 to 1969. Pastor John S. Johnson followed from 1970 to 1974. Pastor Walter Lacy assumed the pastorate from 1974 to 1985. Pastor David Smith pastored from 1985 to 2000. Pastor Walter E. Widdis is the current pastor and has filled that position since January of 2002.

Over the course of the years the ministry has matured and strengthened, delving into various areas of ministry and outreach. The vision of the little group who met in a garage has become the reality of First Baptist Church of Laurel, Montana. May it always remain steadfast in its stand for the truths found in the Bible.

Use our Contact Us page to tell us how we can help you in your walk with the Lord.

What does First Baptist Church Believe?

-We believe all of the Bible is inspired of God and is true. (2 Timothy 3:16)

-We believe in God the father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, one God existing in three persons. (Matthew 28:19)

-We believe the six days of creation was found in Genesis as literal 24-hour days, and we disavowal the theory of evolution.

-We believe that Jesus is God. (John 10:33)

-We believe that all men are by nature sinful, lost, and in need of salvation provided by Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)

-We believe that lost sinners can be saved from their sin, guilt, and judgment by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ who died in our place. (Romans 5:8-9)

-We believe once a person has been saved by God’s grace, he will never lose his salvation. (John 10:28-29)

-We believe that Christ has established local churches to preach and practice the Bible. (Acts 2:41-42, 47)

-We believe that those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior should change their behavior to conform to God’s will revealed in the Bible. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

-We believe that Satan is a real being in spirit form who has power on this earth. (Job 1:6-7)

-We believe that Heaven (1 Peter 1:2-4) and Hell (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9) are literal places, and that only the saved will be in Heaven. (Matthew 25:46)

-We believe in the separation of church and state. (Matthew 22:21)

-We are an independent, autonomous church with the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice.

-We believe it is our God given responsibility to educate our children in both spiritual and practical truth. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)