First Baptist Church is one of the oldest faith communities in Iowa City. In 1841, eleven early settlers established our congregation, then called the Regular Baptist Church of Iowa City. In its first years, the congregation met in nearby schools and churches, and even in the Senate Chamber of Old Capitol. The first place of worship was built in 1848, at the northwest corner of Clinton and Burlington streets, in a Greek revival style. The first full-time pastor was Rev. Dexter P. Smith.

In 1891, a second, larger building in a Victorian style with beautiful stained glass windows was constructed at the same location. This building was later sold to the Church of the Nazarene, and was eventually razed to make room for a parking ramp. The Johnson Memorial Window, however, is still on display at the present Church of the Nazarene, on the east side of Iowa City. It features a beautiful image of “Christ at the Door.”

By the 1940s, the congregation had grown so large that another building became necessary. In 1953, our present building was constructed further north on Clinton Street in a Gothic revival style. It was under the leadership of Rev. Elmer E. Dierks, pastor of First Baptist Church for 26 years, that this move was accomplished.

First Baptist Church has always been strongly committed to the work of its denomination. The Iowa Baptist Convention, then consisting of twelve churches, was organized at First Baptist Church in 1842. Other nearby Baptist churches, at Downey, Lone Tree, and Oxford, were established because of the missionary endeavors of First Baptist Church.

It is noteworthy that nearly 40 members of our church—both men and women—have gone into Christian ministry, either as pastors or as missionaries.

First Baptist Church has always enjoyed a close relationship with its neighbor, the University of Iowa, and students have played a vital role in the congregation since its origin. In 1922, a Baptist Student Center complete with a lounge, chapel, dining room, office and living space, was built on Clinton Street. This building, the Bowman House, is now owned by the University of Iowa and is used as the welcome center for the Admissions Office.

Some prominent members of First Baptist Church over the years have included the following:

Amos Currier (1832-1909) was Professor of Classics and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Iowa. He is also credited with establishing the library, and served for a year as acting President of the University. Currier served our church as clerk and treasurer, and taught a Sunday School class for college students for 42 years. Currier Hall, a large dormitory built in 1914 and located just across the street from the church, is named for him.

Kate Wickham (1860-1955) came from England to Iowa City as a young girl. Her family constructed Wickham Chapel on Walnut Street in 1894, to serve as a spiritual and community center for the south side of Iowa City. Wickham carried on the work of the Chapel for 35 years, in addition to being an elementary school teacher and principal in the Iowa City school district. She served as a deacon and board member of First Baptist Church for many years. Kate Wickham Elementary School in Coralville is named for her.

Helen Lemme (1904-1968) was an African-American woman who opened her home to African-American college students who were denied housing on campus until 1946. She was very involved in civic affairs, including the Human Rights Commission, the Iowa City Area Council of Churches, the League of Women Voters, and the Democratic Party. Lemme was named Woman of the Year in 1955, and Best Citizen of the Year a few years later. Helen Lemme Elementary School in Iowa City is named for her.

Robert Pearl (1937-2001) was a legendary pitcher on the University of Iowa baseball team in the 1950s. He was the first African-American baseball player at the University of Iowa, and the first African-American pitcher ever to graduate from a Big 10 school. Pearl was very active in community affairs, and was known to many as “Mr. Hawkeye” for his devotion to University of Iowa athletics. Pearl Field, the home of the Hawkeye women’s softball team, is named for him.

First Baptist Church deeply values its rich history and heritage. Grateful for the saints who have gone before us, and surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses from our past, we venture forward into the future in hope and in faith.