The story of the organization and growth of the church is an epic of Bossier City, forming a vital factor both in the life of this city and in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  Prior to its organization, a small community Sunday School, under the leadership of W.T. Colquitt, provided the only religious services for the townspeople.  It was apparent that this locale was a strategic point for a Baptist church.

The story of the organization and growth of the church is an epic of Bossier City, forming a vital factor both in the life of this city and in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  Prior to its organization, a small community Sunday School, under the leadership of W.T. Colquitt, provided the only religious services for the townspeople.  It was apparent that this locale was a strategic point for a Baptist church. 

The Ardis Memorial Baptist Church, 1903

The Ardis Memorial Building and Sunday School annex were moved on the old parsonage site to make room for a new building.  The annex was renovated to take care of the Primary and Junior departments, the Ardis building being used by the Intermediates.

In March 1938, a permit was issued for the construction of a new $30,000 church building.  Mr. W.E. Keller of Bossier City was in charge of building one of the most modern and beautiful houses of worship in the entire state. 

On April 10, 1938, the church was incorporated.  And by 1939, the membership had increased to 934. 

The First Baptist Church of Bossier City, 1939              

Since the new church building was the first church really to be built by the people of Bossier City, and not a memorial to anyone, the church voted in conference on February 1939, to name the new church “The First Baptist Church of Bossier City.”

First Baptist Bossier, 1954

The new sanctuary seated 1100, including  the choir loft and balcony.

First Bossier, 1965

The Vacation Bible School Program brought out children in droves from all over the twin cities, making it the largest turnout in the state.

First Baptist Church of Bossier City
Vacation Bible School
June 18-28, 1973

Dr. Fred Lowery was called to replace the departing Dr. Landrum as Pastor in June 1983.  Dr. Lowery had barely begun his pastorate when tragedy struck the First Baptist Church of Bossier City. 

March 1984

Fire swept through the structure in February, 1984, destroying the baptistry, the baptismal pool, outside roof, and choir loft, and leaving in its wake ash and rubble, and a one million dollar clean up bill. 

It was the sentiment of the year, and the slogan of the decade.  Refusing to be disheartened by the tragedy, the congregation met for worship at Airline High School while demolition began on the burned structure.  A month later, on Easter Sunday, Dr. Lowery delivered the Word from the charred remains to church members seated on folding chairs on concrete floors, amidst blackened wood.  It was probably the most bittersweet service one would ever remember.      

March 1984

Jerry Ables came as Minister of Music in August of 1985, replacing Dick Hill, who had moved to Houston.  
Two years after the big fire destroyed it, the restored sanctuary was opened appropriately enough, on Easter Sunday, March 30, 1986.  

In an effort to meet the need of a fast growing congregation, Dr. Lowery began what would become First Bossier’s greatest shining achievement.  Touching Eternity: Today, Tomorrow, Together began in December, 1997, with the purchase of property to the west of the church plant, that was previously The Stumble Inn, for just over $200,000.
           
Less than a year later, in October, 1998, First Bossier purchased five additional acres for 2.25 million dollars.  The project, a new sanctuary that would seat over 2500 people, would take several years to see to completion, and at a minimum cost of 11.5 million dollars. In actuality, the entire project, including the land would actually cost about 14 million dollars. But, what a project it would be!
          
Led by Dr. Lowery into a “Year of Sacrifice,” over half the money was pledged by members of the church, beginning in November, 2001. Dr. Lowery’s focus was on giving and personal sacrifice.  In an effort teach this principle he publicly committed not to purchase any new clothes, not to eat Snickers or Blue Bell Ice Cream, or to receive USA Today, for one year. The entire congregation knew that he really enjoyed those things.  
Finally, the big day arrived.  The groundbreaking ceremony in December, 2001, brought Bossier City officials, as well as the First Bossier staff and church members.  With a myriad of onlookers, the dozen or so shovel wielders, including Dr. Fred & Leigh Lowery, made history when they plowed into the land west of the existing church plant.  
                  
Groundbreaking Ceremony at First Bossier

With a few words and a prayer from Dr. Lowery, the magnitude of the event was overwhelming.  It was truly the beginning for a church with nearly a hundred years of history behind it. 

Dr. Fred Lowery, December 2001

The Worship Center, First Bossier, 2003

On March 2, 2003, the big Sunday finally had arrived. Not a seat was empty, and not a single person was disappointed in the service.   Hundreds of chairs were brought in to accommodate the overflowing crowd.  Even though an expansive parking lot was added, people left unable to find a parking space.  A grand opening to the public was held on Sunday, April 13, 2003.
             
The new worship center has the capability of seating approximately 2,500 people.  The facility boasts a state-of-the-art media suite, pastor’s office suite, expansive parking lot, prayer altar, conference room, music suite, green room, counseling room, connection room, prayer room, hospitality suite and Cornerstone Books and Gift Store.

Like you, this day will be forever etched in my spiritual journey.  Of course, we’ve traveled this journey together in hopes of seeing a dream come to fruition.  Now, more than ever before…

• Our dream of a place where we will reach people for Christ on a broader scale…
• Our dream of a place where hurting people will find help, healing and mega-doses of love and grace…
• Our dream of a place where people will encounter Jesus Christ and make life changing decisions…
• Our dream of a place where people will experience God through worship in a fresh and dynamic way…
• Our dream of a place where God’s Word will encourage more people…

…is all becoming a reality!

With Jesus as our model, we have become a place that genuinely cares about people – a church where anyone can feel welcomed, loved and accepted.  Therefore, we remain solidly anchored to His Word and joyfully commit to the five purposes He gave us: Worship, Connect, Grow, Serve, and Reach.  Leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ will continue to be the passion that drives this great church.

Of course our journey together isn’t over.  The future has never been brighter.  The direction has never been more focused.  And God’s people have never been more passionate.  No, the journey isn’t over, we’re just getting started!  Join us on the journey and experience the difference.”  ~ Fred Lowery

In the last decade alone, First Bossier has traveled as far as Alaska, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil, Spain, Ukraine, and Turkey. Each year, First Bossier has given close to a half million dollars to missions.  Through various missions organizations, special donations, and worldwide evangelism outreach teams, First Bossier has literally traveled the globe in efforts to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Below are just a few of the missions we have been a part of recently.

In the 1990’s, Dr. Fred and Leigh Lowery went on a mission trip to Russia.  While they were there they met Alexander and Tonya Goncharov.  Dr. Lowery noticed that this couple was passionate about being used by God in their own country.  

Seeing this as a divine appointment, First Bossier adopted this couple and began investing in them and their ministry.  Over the next few years, First Bossier would bring Alexander and Tonya to the United States to study and complete his Master’s degree at a theological seminary.  Alexander and Tonya’s dream of being missionaries in their own country is a reality now.  They are seeking to begin a new church and or Christian school.

Since 2000, our students and single adults have traveled to various parts of Mexico to spread the gospel through service and support.  Working with the organizations, “Equipping the Saints” and “Blue House”, we have strived to reach the people of Mexico through community service.  Through these acts of kindness, we can share the love of Christ and His message of grace and forgiveness.

Sculpture: “The Divine Servant”

Over the past few years, under the direction of Sonny DePrang, we have seen God do incredible things in Brazil.  God has poured out His blessings in unique ways in Brazil.  Many different teams of people work in helping to paint houses, rebuild damaged roofs and build churches from the ground up.  It is through these acts of service that meaningful relationships are built.  Through personal evangelism, soccer and basketball clinics, and church services, over 250 people were saved!
First Bossier has served as a collection center for Operation Christmas Child since 1998.  To date, over 40,000 shoeboxes filled with toys and gifts have been sent to children worldwide. 

Even the children of First Bossier know the meaning of reaching out and touching others charitably.  From 2000 to the present, offerings during Vacation Bible School have paid for 7 water wells to be dug in Africa.  That means clean drinking water to over 7000 people in Africa.

In 1994, the concept of the Purpose Driven Church was introduced and programs (C.L.A.S.S - Christian Life and Service Seminars) were implemented in 1999 to train and equip members of First Bossier to live a purpose-driven life. 

Class 101 is a basic introduction to the church.  Designed to explain who and what First Bossier is all about, 101 is broken into 4 sections of focus:  Our Salvation, Our Statement, Our Strategy, and Our Structure.

Class 201 concerns learning more about becoming a Christian.  The focus is on four basic habits a Christian needs to reach spiritual maturity:  Time in God’s Word, Prayer, Tithing, and Fellowship. 

Class 301 is designed to help uncover your “shape” for ministry, those being your spiritual gifts, your heart, your abilities, your personality, and your experiences.

Class 401 is designed to help you discover how you can become part of God’s work in the world by teaching you how to develop and share your testimony, beginning conversationally sharing with your friends.