First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines marks 175 years of history and faith
By Todd Magel
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JOHNSTON, Iowa (KCCI) — The First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines is celebrating 175 years, marking its historic journey since its founding in 1851 by early settlers at Fort Des Moines.
“To celebrate 175 years is to celebrate God’s faithfulness to us,” Pastor Paul Scaringi said.
The church was established just a few years after Iowa became a state, growing alongside the city of Des Moines.
“We really grew up with the state of Iowa, and certainly with the city of Des Moines. Des Moines became the capital shortly after we began worship,” said Patty Trump, a member of the church council.
“We’ve been walking with God all these years and staying faithful to him,” said Mary Kaye Smith, a longtime church member.
Smith and Trump, who have attended First Baptist since they were babies, are proud to celebrate the milestone. They credit the church’s first pastor, John Nash, for his dedication to the congregation and its mission.
“John Nash was our first pastor. What it must have been like for him. And if we could somehow transport him to this moment and to see his life, the life he gave to Christ and to minister here, to come to the territories and where we are today, it’s an amazing, it’s a humbling thing to be able to be a part of that,” Scaringi said.
Over the years, the church has moved several times, starting downtown at 8th and Mulberry, then 8th and Locust, and later two churches at 8th and High. In 2002, the congregation built its current location in Johnston, featuring a distinctive spire.
“We want it to look like a church that is a beacon to the whole community. And you can see it as you approach the church from all directions,” Trump said.
Members emphasize that First Baptist is more than just a building—it’s the people who make it special.
“It’s like family having this church and, you know, like our own family, and having that support and that love and having the same values as others in our church. I just feel that’s so important. And to know each other, have that history together,” Smith said.
Like many churches in Iowa, First Baptist has faced challenges with shrinking membership in the 21st century. However, members remain focused on their faith and the present.
“It’s painful to think that someday this church might not be here. But that’s not for us. For us, it’s focusing on God with us here and now. And if that’s the case, and if we are attentive to that, I believe we have a bright future,” Scaringi said.
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