The History of Anchor Point
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Webster City, Iowa
Established in 1858
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The First Baptist Church of Webster City, Iowa can look back over 140 eventful years of ministry. It is one of the oldest established churches in Webster City and one of the oldest Baptist churches in north central Iowa. The Rev. 0. A. Holmes, a pioneer pastor helped start several churches in this area. On November 27, 1858, 14 persons met in the home of John Rhodes to organize First Baptist Church. On January 10, 1863, the congregation voted to pay Pastor Holmes a half-time salary of $100 in cash plus farm produce. In August 1863, the church entertained the Upper Des Moines Baptist Association. While pastor in Webster City, the Rev. 0. A. Holmes went out to help organize Baptist churches in Iowa Falls, Boone, and Fort Dodge, Iowa.
The Sunday School was organized under the pastorate of the Rev. H. D. Weaver, 1870-72. The congregation first met in homes, then in the old city hall, the Rhodes home, and the old courthouse. In 1874 the first church, a one-story wooden building was erected on the site where our education unit now stands.
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In 1889 a new church building was completed on the site of the present building at the corner of Willson Avenue and Division Street at the cost of about $9,000. Rev. L. N. Call was the pastor. This church went through major remodeling in 1914, and remained the main sanctuary until 1973, when it was torn down to build the present sanctuary.
Major happenings in the history of First Baptist Church of Webster City, Iowa
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November. 27, 1858 - First Baptist Church was organized.
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1871 – Bought lot where Education Unit stands for $200
February 25, 1874 – First meeting in small one story building.
1875 - Bought corner lot where present church stands for $320.
November 13, 1889 - A large brick church was dedicated. It was built for about $9,000 and was free of debt from the beginning and was used for 83 years.
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October, 1911 – Parsonage at 615 Division was completed.
1914 – Major remodeling of 1889 church.
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Summer of 1919 Rev. Donald Ripley retired. He faithfully served the First Baptist Church of Webster City for 10 years.
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October, 1929 – The Homer Baptist Church united with the First Baptist Church.
November 3, 1957 – The Christian Education Unit was dedicated. Cost about $75,000.
November 30, 1958 – Centennial Services.
November 20, 1960 – Mortgage burning for the Christian Education Unit.
1960's – Helped with both labor and money in the selection and development of Dayton Oaks Baptist Camp, Robert Shaw, pastor.
December 3, 1967 – A ranch style parsonage was dedicated at 902 Wood Street.
November 5, 1972 – Ground breaking services for our present church,
August 12, 1973 – First services in the new Sanctuary.
March 4, 1974 – Dedication for the new First Baptist Church. Cost about $250,000.
June 27, 1982 – Mortgage burning for new church.
1984 – Church parking lot paved.
November 15 - 18, 1984 – 125th (plus One) Anniversary of our Church.
1991 – Major Roof Replacement.
1998 – New carpet in sanctuary and fellowship hail and offices. Also new pew seat covers.
2020-- Church name was changed to Anchor Point, a Baptist Church