History of Community Baptist Church
IN the late 1930's the American Baptist Home Mission Society became aware of a growing population in Kodiak, Alaska. This was due to an increased military presence and construction of Navy and Army bases. A decision was made to establish a church in Kodiak. Before this, informal services had been conducted by missionaries from the Kodiak Baptist Orphanage. Rev. and Mrs. Walter Warner were sent to Kodiak to accomplish this task. Rev. Warner was both a minster and an expert builder, just what was needed for the job! They arrived in Kodiak during the spring of 1940 and successfully carried out the project. He also was able to gather the nucleus for starting the church and conducted regular services. Mr. Warner also built the parsonage next to the church building. Rev. Warner finished his work and left Kodiak on December 24, 1940.
TWO days before Rev. Warner left, on December 22, 1940, the first Missionary Pastor, Rev. Gregory Morony, arrived to officially found Community Baptist Church. Rev. Morony and his wife, Evelyn, arrived on the S.S. Denali. That same evening the Christmas program was presented in the new church building, this was the first time it had been used for an evening activity.
UNDER the leadership of Pastor Morony, the work necessary for organizing a new church was accomplished. This included appointing committees, preparing a constitution, nominating officers, and the care of many other matters. On February 2, 1940 people met at the church and formally completed the organization of the church. At this meeting they selected the name "Community Baptist Church."
THERE were still many things to be accomplished over the next few years to finish the church. Among these were, finishing the parsonage, fixing flooding in the church basement, getting a stove and hot water heater, and buying pews.
THE church grew fast and by 1944 the Sunday School was averaging 95 to 105. In 1944 five new classes were started and space was at a premium. Adult average attendance in 1941, 1942 was 78. By 1951 it was decided that more space was needed and an educational addition was added.
SINCE that time Community Baptist Church has fulfilled it's mission to Kodiak in many ways. Not only has it been God's light in this community by spreading the Gospel, it has also served in many ways:
1944-1945
Public School used the basement for Kindergarten
1950's
Senior and Junior High Graduations held
Early 1970's
Basement used as Day Care Center
Mid 1970's
Basement used as hostel for persons needing shelter
1980's
Basement still used at times for shelter
Late 1980's
Basement used as shelter for persons in recovery from substance abuse