About the American Baptist Church
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Contact Us
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Judy at the Church Office:
judy@firstbaptistrichmond.com
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Pastor Jim Spon:
jim@firstbaptistrichmond.com
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Rex Bailey, Minister of Music:
rex@firstbaptistrichmond.com
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Denise Matthews, Treasurer:
denise@firstbapatistrichmond.com
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Webmaster:
webmaster@firstbaptistrichmond.com
Phone Extensions:
Jim Spon, Pastor – 12
Rex Bailey, Min. of Music – 18
Judy Miller, Church Sec. – 10
Denise Matthews, Treas. – 16
First Baptist Church
1601 South “A” Street
Richmond, Indiana 47374
USA
Welcome to First Baptist Church, Richmond, Indiana.
We are a community of faith and a family of fellowship. We work together to provide an atmosphere where people can worship God together in meaningful ways.
We believe that Jesus Christ is our living example and that the Holy Spirit is our bond for relating with those in our own congregation, as well as those in God’s greater community-throughout the city, the nation, and the world.
We are a group of persons who have experienced the grace of God and are rejoicing in our forgiveness and our Eternal Life! We seek to have many times of celebration and praise, along with those times of deep inner searching for the meanings of our lives, striving to be led by the Holy Spirit.
We would love to have you join us in worship and fellowship!
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Directions
From Interstate 70 from the East
- Take exit 156 to Route 40 West.
- Continue on Route 40 until you get to South 16th Street.
- Turn left (south).
- Go one block to South “A” Street. The Church is on the corner. You can’t miss it!!
From State Route 27 North and I-70 from the West
- From I-70 west, take exit 151 south on Hwy 27
- Go south through downtown to South ’A’ Street.
- Turn left (east) and go 8 blocks to South 16th street
- The Church is on the corner. It is a large brick building with white columns You can’t miss it!!
- Go north on Hwy 27 to South ‘A’ Street
- Turn right (east) on South ‘A’ street and go 7 blocks to South 16th street. Church is on corner.
Staff
Pastor Jim and his wife Marcia were married in 1975. They have two adult children. Emily (an elementary school teacher), her husband Josh (a pastor), and their son Austin live in Liberty, Missouri. Andrew (sales manager for Covenant Auto Sales) and his wife Shannon (dental assistant ) and their daughter Abigail live in Richmond. Pastor Jim feels blessed to be called to preach God’s Word and serve this wonderful congregation.
| Senior Pastor: | Jim Spon |
| Service: | Pastor Jim has served at First Baptist, Richmond since August of 1998. |
| Education: | Pastor Jim Spon is a graduate of Bethel College (’74) and Seminary (’80). Before coming to Indiana, he served three churches in Kansas. |
Rex and wife Caryl were married in 1983. They have two daughters and one son. Ross graduated from Northland College where he recieved a degree in Biology. Daughter Kevy received a degree in music from Michigan State University and is presently pursuing a master’s degree in clarinet performance from Indiana University. Youngest daughter Brennyn attends Franklin college studying Spanish and theater. Rex is an avid golfer and loves working in his yard.
| Minister of Music: | Rex Bailey |
| Service: | Rex has served as Minister of Music at First Baptist since 1995. |
| Education: | He received a degree in music education from the University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and earned his Master of Church Music diploma at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. |
Judy and her husband Loren were married in 1965 and have two children, Gil and Kathy, who are twins! They have four grand daughters, three grandsons, and one step-granddaughter. Judy grew up attending St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richmond, and for many years has been an active member of Sugar Grove Community Church in rural Greens Fork, Indiana, not far from her home. Judy enjoys cooking, sewing, quilting, and crossstitch.
| Secretary: | Judy Miller |
| Service: | Judy began her service in First Baptist in 2000. She has an extensive background and experience in secretarial work. |
Denise and husband Gayle were married in 1972. They have two daughters, Alea and Stephanie, and three grandchildren. Alea is proficient in computer technology and Stephanie is an accountant in Indianapolis. Denise first came to First Baptist in 1985, and after a time working in other firms, came back to FBC to resume her position as Treasurer in 1998. She loves spending time with her family and riding with Gayle on their Harley. A little known fact is that in times past Denise took great pride in beating all the “men experts” in 4-wheel dirt drags!
| Treasurer: | Denise Mathews |
| Service: | since 1985 |
Caryl has recently joined the First Baptist Church staff as organist and pianist. She graduated from The University of Souix Falls with degrees in Music Education and Elementary Education. Caryl keeps busy teaching piano, accompanying the music programs at Earlham College, Centerville High School, and First Christian Church. She also teaches at IU East. In her “spare” time, Caryl loves reading and baking, and just playing the piano for relaxation.
| Organist: | Caryl Bailey |
| Service: | since 2010 |
Virginia began her association with First Baptist in 2009. She attends First Presbyterian Church here in Richmond. Virginia is a graduate of Hanover College with a degree in Physics. She loves reading and all kinds of needle arts.
| Maintenance: | Virginia Corman |
