By Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Fort Lewis Baptist Church marked a momentous occasion on Sunday, Oct. 6, celebrating its 200th anniversary with a homecoming event filled with gratitude, history, and community spirit. The celebration included a special Sunday service, historical displays, guided tours of the church, lunch, and an old-fashioned hymn sing in the historic chapel.
Founded in 1824, FLBC began as Salem Baptist Church, meeting at what is now East Hill Cemetery. Over time, the congregation relocated to the Glenvar area, worshiping in homes and schoolhouses. In 1855, Alexander White, owner of Fort Lewis Estates, donated an acre of land for the construction of the church’s first chapel, prompting the renaming of the congregation to Fort Lewis Baptist Church.
Reflecting on the church’s bicentennial, Pastor Chuck Garner, who has been with FLBC for 2.5 years, expressed the significance of the occasion. “Celebrating 200 years is special because it shows God’s faithfulness. Multiple generations have heard the gospel through Fort Lewis Baptist Church, and we are humbled and grateful that God still allows us to serve the Glenvar community.”
Over the centuries, FLBC has grown both physically and in its community outreach. Additions such as the educational building in 1949, Sunday school classrooms in 1964, and a picnic shelter in 1994 have helped support the church’s programs and events. FLBC is also known for its strong commitment to local families, establishing a preschool program in 1980 and an afterschool program in 1988. In 2012, the church launched its “5th Quarter” events, providing a safe space for Glenvar High School students to gather after home football games.
Garner noted the church’s deep ties to the Glenvar community and its ongoing mission to serve. “Our next project will be renovating the main entrance area to include new bathrooms and new places to gather for fellowship and Bible study,” he explained. “We’re also continuing to build partnerships with fellow Glenvar-area churches to expand our collective impact, especially in our food pantry ministry.”
With an average Sunday attendance of 100 to 120, FLBC remains a vital part of the area’s spiritual life. Though the church took time to reflect on its storied past, Garner emphasized the church’s forward-thinking approach. “Although we have enjoyed celebrating the past during this 200th anniversary, we are now solely focused on working towards the future,” Garner said. “We’ve already begun updating the upstairs classrooms used by our afterschool program, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.”
What truly sets Fort Lewis Baptist Church apart, Garner believes, is the congregation itself. “The people make Fort Lewis Baptist special. They have been welcoming to my family and are always willing to serve others. We create a relaxed, casual atmosphere on Sunday mornings and strive to treat everyone with the respect they deserve.”
As Fort Lewis Baptist Church enters its third century of ministry, it remains committed to sharing the Gospel and continuing its legacy of service. Garner reflected, “Our only goal is to help people learn about Jesus. That’s what has sustained this church for 200 years, and it’s what will carry us into the future.”
Courtesy photos
