The First American Baptist Church of Anchorage, Alaska began organizing in February of 1959. Rev. Leo L. Schlegel began work in Anchorage on February 1, 1959. On the same day, our first church building was purchased. By April 19th of that year, thirty-two persons had expressed a desire to join in the establishment of the church, along with Rev. Leo J. Schlegel, the first pastor of the congregation.
Other early members of the congregation are Mrs. Annette Cole- June 1960, Bill Brokaw and George & Ruth Allen- Joined in November of 1962, and Edie Lustman – December 1962.
Pastor Schlegel, who had the additional responsibility of overseeing all American Baptists in Alaska, was assisted in the pastorate in March 1960, by Rev. Phillip Essex, who became the full-time pastor in April of 1962, when Rev. Schlegel left Alaska. A little over a year later, Rev. Essex also left. At that time, Rev. Clair Pope assumed the pastorate and served from August 1963 until 1967. In 1965 work on the Sanctuary Unity of a new church in Rogers Park was under way, and in early 1966 the congregation moved to its new and present location.
Following Rev. Popp’s departure, Rev. Paul Turley assumed the pastorate and served until the summer of 1970. During this time, the education unit of the building was constructed at a cost of $120,000, utilizing a $100,000 grant from the Division of Missing of the American Baptist Convention. Upon completion of this unit, the Alaska Methodist University rented the space for its Early Childhood Development Center.
During the tenure of Dr. John Molletti- from September 1970 to November 1974, the present parsonage apartment and guest apartment unit of the building was constructed. The guest apartment was specifically designated for Alaska Missionaries and mission workers in Anchorage for “R & R” or on business. Dr. Molletti acted as the builder-contractor for this addition, and countless hours of labor were volunteered by members of the congregation.
Chaplain Elliott Robinson served as interim Pastor from November 1974 until the summer of 1975.
Rev. James Hughes arrived in Alaska with his wife, Ruth. Besides our regular worship services, Sunday School, church activities, and other programs, the church building has been used for many different educational programs for children and adults in the community. We also shared our building with our sister church, Shiloh Baptist for a 10-month period while their new building was under construction, staggering the services to accommodate both congregations. Rev. Hughes left Anchorage in October 1980 to begin a series of interim pastorates.
Rev. Howard Bess served as pastor from 1980 until 1987. During his tenure, our small chapel was added.
Rev. Arthur Maye, 1987, and Rev. Leonard Turek 1987 – 1988 served as interim pastors.
Rev. Gary Gilman arrived in 1988 and served until 1997. During his tenure the roof over the sanctuary and office area was replaced, new carpet was installed in the sanctuary, and the outside of the building was painted. Three stained glass lighted crosses were erected on the lawn facing Northern Lights. Rev. Gilman was instrumental in starting our popular mid-week dinner, fellowship, and bible study time that still continues.
Rev. Edgar Thornton was assigned by ABC as Interim Pastor from October 1997 until November 1998.
Rev. John C. Jeffers arrived in December of 1998.
The row over classrooms #3 and #4 was replaced in July of 2000, and some sidewalk repair was done.