Our History
Arden First Baptist Church began as a dream of people living in south Buncombe County in the 1950s. They saw the need for a Baptist church in the area and began praying and planning to make that dream a reality. On October 18-19, 2008, AFBC celebrated 50 years of ministry. The history of the church is filled with stories of the local body of Christ striving to be the community God has called it to be under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Listed below are significant dates in the life of AFBC.
1951-1954: Over 10 individuals gathered in homes to discuss starting a new Baptist church in Arden
July-November 1954: Actual meetings in homes and a rented hall began
February 6, 1955: Arden Baptist Chapel officially formed with 13 charter members
April 30, 1955: First Baptist Church Asheville bought a building on Hendersonville Road to serve as the church building for the Chapel
May 8, 1955: First Sunday School classes held with attendance of 26
Summer 1955: Vacation Bible held with 60 in attendance
October 19, 1958: Arden Baptist Chapel officially constituted as Arden Baptist Church
March 10, 1962: Church voted to buy Sweeten Creek Road property (current location of church)
June 1964: Completion and occupancy of new church building
June 25, 1972: Completion and dedication of new sanctuary
July 11, 1977: Name changed to Arden First Baptist Church
1980: Construcion of Annex for classrooms and library
1998: Completion of new youth building, remodeling of education building
2001: JOY Singers Ministry began
July 2008: 70 church members participated in mission trip to Perry County, AL
View pictures from the AFBC’s 50th celebration.
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