By Nila Harris
CALIFORNIA, Ky. — On Jan. 19, First Twelve Mile Baptist Church celebrated its 225th year anniversary and formally welcomed its new pastor, Darren Edwards, and his wife, Mary.
The celebration, postponed from Jan. 5 because of a winter storm, was well attended by friends, family and church members.
First Twelve Mile Baptist Church was established Dec. 28, 1799, at the home of Brother Beuthel Riggs.
The original church building was built on an island surrounded by 12 Mile Creek. Unfortunately, floodwaters from the nearby Ohio River washed the first building away, along with its cemetery.
The second church was built in 1836 on a hill close to the original site. A second cemetery was established near the present church and was used until 1927. The oldest grave there dates back to 1827.
In 1905, fire from a lightning strike destroyed the church’s sanctuary, along with most of the church’s documents. That very same day, church members decided to construct a new building.
“Before the embers cooled, a new building was started on the same site,” according to first12milebaptist.org.
Church documents claim that the new church construction was completed within one month. This is the current building being used today, on the same site as the 1836 structure.
In 1950, an educational building was added, followed by a parsonage added in 1960. Another renovation was the addition of a basement in 1985.
Along with changes in structures came some name changes. Documents refer to the original church as Four Mile Baptist Church, then Ten Mile Baptist Church, and finally First Twelve Mile Baptist Church.
Pastor Edwards credits the church’s sustainability to the faithfulness of its members.
Recently, Edwards found a framed letter in the church that “in a nutshell explains why the church is still standing.” The letter was from Yoshikazu Nakajima, pastor of Japan Baptist Osaka Church, thanking the church for sending baptismal boots to their church.
The exceptional aspect of this letter is that it was written just seven years after the end of World War II, when the United States and Japan were at war with each other. The letter goes on to express the hope to “become one with you in the building of His kingdom and draw near to you in the person of the missionary.”
Edward said that his goals for the church are to preach God’s Word, build bridges to the community and continue to support local missions.
But, he said, he also to celebrate church history.
The pastor said that he also wants to help congregants see that God’s grace extends to the ends of the earth.
First Twelve Mile Baptist Church, 3288 Oneonta Road, just off the AA Highway in California, holds Sunday school at 9:30 Sunday mornings, followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. There is a Wednesday night service for kids, youth and adults at 6:30 pm.
The church Facebook page asks that people “come as you are and join our congregation of all ages as we worship The Lord. We hope you come as a friend but leave like family!”