100 Year Centennial

Our centennial planning comes in the midst of extraordinary times. Not unlike 100 years ago, we face both enormous challenges and opportunities. And to celebrate with individuals that we are connected with, family now, which have gathered together and woven their lives, their faith and their commitments to building His kingdom in south Scottsdale, will do our souls good.  Our heritage is rich with stories of God’s love, His message of hope and His faithfulness during times of struggles, growth, prosperity and economic depression. 
 
Much has been asked about how the church was started. Chaplain Winfield Scott is often looked upon as the founder of our church. Actually, Chaplain Scott died on October 19, 1910, some two years and eight months before the church was started. There is little doubt, however, that the famous chaplain, a visionary, was the spiritual founder of our church. Scott had made a will in 1904, but just a few day before his death wrote a special testament to the people of Scottsdale.
 
“I leave to you my work in Scottsdale. I had planned to do much this winter with you, but God has called me. If you take this work and do it, and enlarge it as God gives you strength, you will receive my blessing and His.”It was Verner A. Vanderhoof who read Scott’s “one last bequest” and performed the exhortations to give great assistance to the founding move of First Baptist Church of Scottsdale.

On Wednesday, June 8, 1912,  Rev. T.F. McCourtney, Rev. & Mrs. J. Harvey Deere (pastor First Baptist Church of Phoenix) and W.B. Getsinger  met at the Vanderhoof  home on Bryan Ranch with Rev. & Mrs. William Wilbur, Rev. & Mrs. Limon Trumbull, and Mr. & Mrs. Hans Weaver to arrange a program for the organization of a Baptist Church for Scottsdale. A motion was made to meet in the school house in Scottsdale the following Sunday at 3:00 pm to organize the church.
On Sunday, June 12, 1912, these individuals and many more from Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe, met and organized the First Baptist Church of Scottsdale. At a later date, Rev. Limon T. Trumbull was called as the first pastor.  

The services of First Baptist Church of Scottsdale were held in a red brick schoolhouse for the first five years. Then, the  membership decided it was time to build a church to hold their services.

Sometime between 1910 and 1916, the Vanderhoofs had purchased a six-acre tract of land at Brown Avenue and Indian School Road, from Mrs. Winfield (Helen) Scott, with the understanding that when a church was ready to be built, the Vanderhoofs would donate 2 lots to the church as a building site.
In the midst of World War I, building for the new church began in November 1917.  Vanderhoof, a laid-off missionary, supervised the building plans and construction.  On March 3, 1918, the new church building was dedicated and a grateful congregation celebrated.  And just like today, people connected with each other - sharing potlucks together on the lawn, grew in the study of God’s Word, and served through Vacation Bible Schools, women’s mission circles, youth meetings and shared the Gospel message throughout the community. 

As we commemorate this event, our celebration is focused on God’s faithfulness, provision and unending love for His people.  Join us over the next few months as we celebrate 100 Years of Loving God and Loving People.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20, 21