Reverend C. TILBURY of Illinois organized the First Baptist Church of Mount Ayr in 1870. Under Rev. TILBURY's guidance, Mount Ayr's First Baptist Church was built at a cost of $2,200 in 1872, located on the southwest corner of West Jefferson and North Fillmore Streets.

Reverend MORRIS, Reverend FUNK, Reverend EDWARDS, and Reverend Peter ANDREWS were the pioneer pastors.

The Oakland Baptist Church, located approximately 7 1/2 miles southeast of Mount Ayr, joined the Mount Ayr congregation. Due to this increase in the congregation to 180 members, it was necessary to erect a new and larger church building. Rev. W. E. DARROW 'plowed the first furrow,' breaking ground across the street east of the old church on April 14, 1915. Contractors for the new church were YOUNG & WOODARD of Creston for the sum of $14,780 which did not include heating, electrical fixtures, seating, decorating, art glass, furnishings, etc.. The cornerstone was laid on May 22, 1915, and new pews were set in place by November 11th. The new church was dedicated on December 12, 1915, with Rev. W. S. ABERNETHY of the First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, as the guest speaker. Cost of the new brick church was $19,500 with another $1,250 to purchase the lot.

Twice-A-Week News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, January 29, 1915

The Amoma Sunday school class of the Baptist Church met January 25, in the home of Gladys and Bessie THOMPSON, and elected the following officers: President, Minnie STROBEL; vice-president, Elma DILLE; secretary, Cleta BEARD; treasurer, Bessie THOMPSON.

Twice-A-Week News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, May 25 & 28, 1915

The cornerstone of the new Baptist Church was duly laid Saturday under the lead of the pastor, the Rev. W. E. DARROW. In the box enclosed by the stone were the latest copies of the Register and Leader, the Baptist Record, Mount Ayr Journal and Mount Ayr Record-News. Also, a copy of the Murray Baptist Association minutes, a copy of The Iowa Baptist annual, compilation of historical data, an electrotype copy of the design of the new building and a counterfeit presentment of the pastor.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2015

Twice-A-Week News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Tuesday, December 14, 1915

The dedication services at the Baptist Church on Sunday were a success in every way. Over 700 attended the evening service and tested to the full seating capacity of the church. Fully $11,250 were pledged or paid at the morning and afternoon service, which will cover the cost of construction and furnishing. With the amount pledged last spring and winter, there was been an offering of over $23,000 for the building enterprise. The value of the new building is $19,500.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2016

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, December 13, 1916

The Rev. C. E. Richardson, pastor of the First Baptist church at Herrrington, KS, has accepted a call extended by the Baptist church of this city.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2017

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, April 04, 1917

Last Sunday morning in a large congregation, the First Baptist church voted unanimously as in favor of baseball, but was opposed to Sunday baseball. Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2017

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, May 17, 1956

The Rev. Orville C. RINEHART has accepted a call as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr, the duties of which he assumed May 1.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012

The old church building was converted into a residence and is still located at 201 West Jefferson Street.

Courtesy of Mount Ayr Depot Museum

Baptist Church Bible School, 1943

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, September 14, 1995

The Mount Ayr First Baptist Church was founded in 1870 by 10 charter members, six women and four men. Its first services were held in the Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Carey TILBURY. That was 125 years ago and the current congregation has been celebrating that significant anniversary.

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, December 04, 2007

Diana Lee Holland has accepted the position of minister at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr.

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, September 25, 2003

First Baptist Church holds "Celebration of the Past" Oct. 1

First Baptist Church worship committee will be holding a "celebration of the past" service Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on Fillmore and Jefferson streets.

The community is invited to participate in the singing, communion and memory time during this special service inside the church.

A candlelighting ceremony will occur when members of the First Baptist Church, carrying a lit candle, will meet members of the Mount Ayr Presbyterian Church, with unlit candles, half-way between the churches and then continue on into the Presbyterian Church.

The two congregations of First Baptist Church and Mount Ayr Presbyterian Church have voted and approved the joining of the churches that will take place on January 1, 2004.

On Oct. 4, the First Baptist Church will hold a public auction including all furnishings, fixtures, stained glass windows and appliances with the money going to the building fund.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2012

SOURCE:
Mount Ayr Record-News, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa. December 1, 2005.

TERRY, Jack R. A Centennial History of Mount Ayr, Iowa: 1875 - 1975 p. 108. Mount Ayr Record-News Mount Ayr. 1975

LESAN, Mrs. B. M. Early History of Ringgold County: 1844 - 1937 p. 58. Blair Pub. House. Lamoni IA. 1937.

Compilation by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2009; updated May of 2010; updated August of 2012; updated October of 2015; updated April of 2017