What began in 1911 as a place of worship for Yoruba-speaking traders in Jos has grown into a 115-year legacy of Christian ministry, community service and religious development, as First Baptist Church, Adebayo Street, Jos, celebrated its anniversary with a renewed call to expand evangelism and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
The anniversary celebration attracted Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Christian leaders, political figures and other dignitaries, who reflected on the church’s journey and its contributions to the development of Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang used the occasion to pledge an evangelism bus to support the church’s missionary activities, while commending the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its contributions to education, healthcare and community development.
He noted that the denomination’s influence extended beyond the pulpit, citing Baptist High School, Naraguta, as one of its enduring contributions to the state.
The governor also praised the community for fostering peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds, stressing that unity remained essential to the progress of Plateau State.
“Thank you for showing that we can live together peacefully. We can live together harmoniously,” Mutfwang said, appreciating the Muslim neighbours and other residents for promoting peaceful relationships.
He further urged Christians to remain focused on the central message of their faith, declaring, “When we preach Christ and Him crucified, nothing more, nothing less.”
President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. David Olusola Idowu, described the anniversary as an opportunity to appreciate God’s faithfulness and renew the church’s commitment to its mission.
Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Through Thanksgiving,” Idowu drew from Psalm 100:1–4, urging members to reflect on the church’s history with gratitude while preparing for the responsibilities ahead.
“When we look back to 115 years, we can almost say that our God is good, and that our God is faithful,” he said.
He stressed that thanksgiving should go beyond celebration to inspire stronger missionary work, spiritual growth and practical service to communities.
President of the Plateau Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. K.K. Saleh, said the church’s history reflected the expansion of Baptist ministry in the state, from its early beginnings among traders to a wider network of congregations.
According to Saleh, the Plateau Baptist Conference now has 288 churches across the central and northern zones, while the Southern Plateau Baptist Conference has 280 churches.
He also disclosed plans to establish a Baptist hospital and provide a missionary bus, initiatives expected to strengthen healthcare services and evangelism.
In attendance were Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo; Chief of Staff, Bldr. Jeremiah Satmak; Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap; Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk; Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Gyang Bere; and Executive Secretary of Drug Commodities, Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, among other dignitaries.
The 115th anniversary thus offered First Baptist Church an opportunity to celebrate its history while looking towards a future shaped by missionary outreach, social responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
