January 1, 2021
Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives
This Day in Baptist History Past
Man forgets, but God never forgets
On January 1, 1871, a number of Baptists residing on the north side of Indianapolis rented a hall over the grocery on the southeast corner of Cherry Street (10th Street) and Broadway. There were about a dozen people present for the first prayer meeting on January 17.
By March of the same year, the North Baptist Mission Sunday School had been organized, and the Sunday school had reached an attendance of one hundred and thirty. Then a property was purchased, and a small building erected.
The North Baptist Church was organized on October 3, 1871, with 44 charter members “… to make lt by all means a good Baptist church, one from the state of Kentucky,” on November 12, 1893, the church moved to College Avenue and 15th Street and became known as the College Avenue Baptist Church.
In May of 1929, Rev. R M. Dodrill assumed the pastorate’ and the Church began its greatest period of enthusiasm and growth. Just after Easter in April 1943 the church moved to Broadway and 22nd street and became known as the Broadway Baptist Church with a membership approaching twenty-five hundred. The lord richly blessed the church. Through much of the 1950’s, Broadway at 22nd Street was a neighborhood church. Many of the congregation lived within walking distance. But, by the end of the 50’s the neighborhood had changed so there was little choice for the church but to sell and move.
They were fortunate in that they had acreage on 38th Street to build. This was given to the church by Judge Martin, a personal friend of Dr. Dodrill. Work was completed in 1965 and dedication was on April 11, 1965. Payday Someday,” was preached by the great Dr. R.G. Lee one night while the wind roared around the new roof. The church was to become famous for the 101 men’s Sunday school class which was broadcast on the Radio every Sunday morning in Indianapolis. Dr. Dodrill wrote the outstanding book on the Second Coming of Christ entitled “Keep Your Eye on the Sky.” It was one of Dr. Greg J. Dixon’s great blessings to be asked by the family to preach the funeral service for Dr. Dodrill.
Presented by Thomas E. Kresal from: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson /, pp. 547-49. “
Note from Tom: In May of 1985 Broadway Baptist Church and Eastview Baptist Church merged and the name was changed to Faithway Baptist Church. Dr. Privett remained pastor and Rev. Bill Chilton was made co-pastor.
In the fall of 2010 Pastor Privett led the church to sell the building on 38th street and move to Greenfield, IN. The first Sunday saw two baptized with fourteen visitors in attendance. A new direction was established and new blessings are expected.
More information visit: http://www.fbcgreenfield.com/History.html
