Ellettsville First Baptist Church formed in 1858 by a group of 28 men and women who were meeting and worshiping God together in each others' homes. A small frame church was built where the church stands now, which according to the church records, cost merely $95 to build.
At this time, Ellettsville was a young, close-knit pioneer community. From the town's train depot, even a trip to Bloomington was a great adventure. Everyone who was able would meet at the depot when the train came in so that they could greet and visit with the arriving friends and family. It is recorded in the 1861 records that the church took disciplinary measures against two women for "unbecoming conduct", i.e., fighting, at the depot. Square dancing with fiddle music was extremely popular in those days, although the church did not approve. It is recorded that the church took action against several members for dancing, having dances in their home, or fiddling for dances. The early church also tried very seriously to correct members of the "liquor habit."
The Civil War divided the community politically, and in response the church decreed that nothing of a political nature would be discussed in the church, and the trustees were instructed to refuse the use of the church to any meeting of a "worldly nature." A solider serving in the Union Army near Memphis, Tennessee wrote to the church in January 1864. In his letter he spoke of how much the church's interest meant to him and asked to be remembered in their prayers. He also asked the church to pray for "the poor class of union people that is in the south and has been trodden down ever since this rebellion has broken out". He continued, "I see them in an awful condition. Pray for them that God may release them and save them in heaven." During the year 1870, nine black people joined the church by relation from Smithville, Kentucky; one was also baptized.
On July 2, 1908, the members of the church decided to build a new stone building, which they promptly set out to do, completing the building the very next year, 1909. This building cost approximately $6,000 to build, and is used by the congregation to this very day. The first full-time minister was hired in 1911 at a salary of 1,000 dollars a year!
While acting as a judge and disciplinarian in the early pioneer years, in later years the church transformed into a ministering body as the community needed more care. 1917 brought World War I, followed by the Great Depression in 1929. Through the decade of the 1930s, though members of the church had very little themselves, they persevered by canning produce and mending clothing, and distributing these goods to families in the community. The Sunday School classes redirected their usual floral offering to the welfare committee for the purchase of food and necessities for the community as well. About thirty families journeyed through the Depression with God and with this church, using whatever finances they could put together to keep the church going, even while each family was in debt for their home or business. They sewed flour sacks for sheets and undergarments, and kept a joyful spirit as they weathered the era together.
In 1958, the church celebrated 100 years together. In the celebratory publication, they included the following message, with wonderful insight for future generations:
"Remember someone in the past held on when the going was rough and kept the program moving forward. Learn to respect the other person's opinion even if you differ with him. Maybe neither of you have the right solution. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere between both of your opinions. Have patience when the going is slow. God doesn't do big things in a hurry. Have faith in the future although things may seem dark. God's plan will prevail."
