Recognizing 200 Years of Baptist Churches in Euclid

There have existed Baptist churches in the city of Euclid for 200 years. This location is at

1565 Chardon Road.  In 1818 John and Elizabeth Wilcox bought this land and on June 11, 1820, they were baptized in the Euclid Creek.  He donated the land on which these Baptist churches

were built.

The First Baptist Church of Euclid is the oldest institution in our city, organized on April 27th 1820. The first pastor was Azariah Hanks meeting in his home with 11 members. He was paid at the annual rate of 300 bushels of wheat!  In 1822 the first church 30’x30’ was erected on this very site. This original wooden church was removed and in 1845 a red brick church was constructed.  In 1894 a new church was built of stone taken from the Old Euclid Quarry.  An original dated cornerstone is still located at our church today.

Euclid-Immanuel Baptist Church was the mother church of two of the largest Baptist churches in Cleveland: The First Baptist Church (1820) and the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church, (1921). In 1928 they united.  In 1945 they celebrated their 125th Anniversary.

Moving forward to present day, the current Baptist church is Bible Baptist Temple. The Pastor is Andrew J. Rusnacko.  He has been faithfully serving the Lord for 41 years! Reading and looking at old pictures, what fascinating history of Baptist churches in Euclid.

The name Baptist is very important.  Baptist churches are, and always have been separate in doctrine and faith from Catholic and Protestant churches. Contrary to what is generally believed, Baptists did not come out of the protestant reformation or Roman Catholicism.

 “ Baptists can trace their origin to Apostolic times and can produce unequivocal testimony of their  existence in every century down to the present time.”   (Alexander Campbell ).

 By faith and belief in God’s Word and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, we look forward to many more years of serving the Lord at this historical location.  If you would like to learn more about our church please call  216-531-1273; visit our website at www biblebaptisteuclid.com; or better yet visit our church  1565 Chardon Road, Euclid 44117  (across from the fire station on Chardon Road–and the Euclid Historical Museum on North Street)