First Southern Baptist Church

Did you ever hear of a church built with sweat equity? Here at the First Southern Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, that’s part of the story. First Southern Baptist Church hasn’t always stood on this corner of 1300 East and 800 South. The Baptist presence in Salt Lake City goes all the way back to 1871. A minister named George W. Dodge started holding services in homes. Unfortunately, when Reverend Dodge was reassigned in 1875, this early congregation disbanded. The Baptist flame rekindled in 1881 with Reverend Dwight Spencer. He tracked down the Berkeleys, the only remaining members of Dodge’s flock. Services began anew in their parlor. Soon, the congregation moved to Pendleton Hall, above a blacksmith shop on Second Street. The first permanent church building was dedicated in 1884. This building even included a two-story school. The church’s mission-driven spirit led to the establishment of other missions, including the East Side Baptist Church. In 1908, First Baptist merged with East Side Baptist, becoming Immanuel Baptist Church. They temporarily worshipped in a synagogue until a new building was finished at 400 East and 200 South in 1910. The name officially reverted back to First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City in 1947, honoring its history. In 1949, the congregation embarked on a bold venture: building a new home. Members even mortgaged their homes and contributed “sweat equity” to make it happen. A local businessman, L.S. Skaggs, donated the land for the current location. The cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, 1951. The first service in the new sanctuary was held in January 1953. It wasn’t entirely finished, the stained-glass windows were still missing, but the congregation was eager to worship. The Skaggs Memorial Chapel, honoring L.S. Skaggs and his wife, was dedicated in 1954. Finally, the entire First Southern Baptist Church building was dedicated on April 25, 1954. The story continued with the launch of a daycare in 1968 and a grand centennial celebration in 1983. The First Southern Baptist Church stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the Baptist community in Salt Lake City.