Our History...

The church began with a small group of people meeting in the Elm Grove School, three miles east of Van.  In 1921, they became Union Chapel Baptist Church.  In 1929, oil was discovered in Van and the population swelled.  In 1932, the members of Union Chapel Baptist Church relocated their building to the growing community of Van and became First Baptist Church of Van.  The first parcel of land of the present church site was acquired in February 1932 and the church was incorporated in April.

As the church membership grew, the physical facilities grew to meet the needs of the worship service, Sunday School and other activities.  The building which was moved from Union Chapel has been remodeled several times and used for various purposes.  A baptistry was first added in 1941; a newer sanctuary was constructed in 1947 and then remodeled in 1967.  In 1980 a fellowship hall, kitchen, Sunday School rooms and the current church offices were completed. 

The church continued its history of meeting the growth of the community and dedicated the current Sanctuary on April 1, 1990.   Then on the 75th Anniversary the church dedicated a Multi-purpose Building which added education space and recreational & fellowship space.  Currently the church is remodeling to update and accommodate a larger preschool area.  It is our prayer that we will continue the vision our charter members had to reach the community of Van and reach out to our world the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.