On a cold winter day in 1881, a small group of believers gathered together in Minneapolis. This small group, a mission Sunday School of the First Baptist Church of Minneapolis, would eventually become the Fourth Baptist Church. The Fourth Baptist Church had humble beginnings. The congregation met in homes until they outgrew the space. They then moved to Jewett Chapel, a small building on the corner of 11th Avenue North and Lyndale Avenue.
The Fourth Baptist Church continued to grow. In 1885, they were able to build a new sanctuary at 18th Avenue North and Dupont Avenue. This new building was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the congregation. It was also a sign of their commitment to sharing the gospel with the city of Minneapolis. The church thrived in its new location. In 1920, they built yet another building on the corner of Fremont Avenue North and 21st Avenue.
By 1954, attendance at the Fourth Baptist Church averaged over 700 people for Sunday services. To accommodate the growing congregation, a 2,000-seat auditorium was added to the original auditorium on Fremont Avenue North in 1974.
Over the years, the Fourth Baptist Church has been served by many faithful pastors. One notable pastor was Dr. Richard V. Clearwaters. Clearwaters pastored the church from 1940 to 1982. During his time, the church established the Fourth Baptist Christian School, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and WCTS radio. These institutions would go on to have a profound impact on the city of Minneapolis and beyond. In 1998, the Fourth Baptist Church made the decision to relocate to the suburb of Plymouth. A new ministry, Family Baptist Church, was planted at 21st and Girard Avenues. This relocation marked a new chapter in the history of the Fourth Baptist Church.
The Fourth Baptist Church has a long and rich history. It is a church that has been committed to the gospel and to serving the city of Minneapolis for over a century.