By: Pastor Ty Houghtaling

Looking back through the last 120 years, all we can say is “Thank you, Lord!” First Baptist Artesia will celebrate 120 years of existence the week of September 14th-22nd. I came to First Baptist Artesia in the summer of 2014. The church was a little discouraged, attendance was down, former staff had left, a generation of leaders had gotten older, and we wondered what had happened.

However, God’s everlasting love was as strong as ever. He was starting something fresh. The way He had worked over the years was slowly taking being replaced with a new direction. He had seen our congregation through some hard times. He had worked miraculously through our people in some of the greatest years of growth and ministry. He had blessed us with facilities, mission partnerships, and now a new perspective on how He wanted to use us.

From 2014 up until this very day, God has been implementing a plan, a future, and a hope for His church on the corner of Grand and Roselawn. We are living in a generation that desperately needs revival and renewal, and wouldn’t you know, that is what He has called our congregation to. It has been 120 years since He started a work at our church. The work that He has accomplished through this church over that time has been nothing short of amazing. We have seen His everlasting love, and we can rest assured that He will continue to shock and amaze us until His Son returns.

If you have ever been a part of First Baptist or are just looking for a church home that has some solid roots, come join us as we remember the faithfulness of God. During our celebration week we will have former staff members join us, lots of food, and lots of fun. If you want to know more about our anniversary or about our church, feel free to email me at ty@fbcartesia.org.

Ty Houghtaling is the Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Artesia.