By Liana Swarengin
For the Daily Press
Members of West Main Baptist Church are excited to turn the page on yet another chapter of their church’s history. On July 19, the congregation will celebrate “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” an event recognizing both the church’s humble beginnings as well as their vision for expansion as they move toward the future.
According to a historic church document, fifteen people first decided to start a new church in 1951 and proposed to name it Westside Baptist Church. The First Baptist Church of Artesia granted letters of dismissal, allowing this small group to become Charter members. On February 4, 1951 the church was officially recognized as a “regular and cooperating Baptist Church of Christ,” and thus Emmanuel Baptist Church was formed. Later, the church took on the name West Main Baptist Church. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
