This resource presents historical background related to the relocation of First Baptist Church from 16th Street, SW in Rochester, Minnesota, to 60 acres of property on Salem Road. This strategic new site lies on the growing southwest side of the city.  Together with the new name, Autumn Ridge Church, this new facility marks a renewed commitment to Christian ministry in Rochester, southeast Minnesota, and the world.

First Baptist Church was founded in 1857 as the first church of any kind in the Rochester area. Through the ensuing years, the congregation has enthusiastically embraced five physical relocations in order to improve its ability to serve the people of Rochester and the world. These moves have also steadily repositioned the church for outreach, and provided increased space for worship, education, and service. The strategic congregational decision in 2002 to purchase new land and initiate a sixth relocation continues in this tradition. The people of First Baptist Church in Rochester have again responded to God's call to share the message of his love with the world, starting with our own families and neighborhoods.

The recent timeline of strategic planning for this next move indicates a prayerful response the exponential growth of this church over its first 150 years.

In the fall of 2002, a Building Implementation Committee was formed to oversee the planning and implementation of the new church campus. The BIC has met regularly ever since. The BIC seeks to make the planning and construction process as honoring to God as the new facility itself. A theme is the notion that the new building is not for us, but is for future friends, neighbors, and generations. In fact the “Imagine a Place…” campaign theme emphasizes the scriptural notion that one generation has the opportunity and responsibility to proclaim Christ's forgiveness to the next.  The theme, "Imagine a place where generations will come to know him" tries to capture the flavor of Psalm 78:5-7 which reads

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.  - NIV

Among the initial goals of the BIC was establishment of a capacity allocation that reflected the strategic goals of new space in meeting the growing needs of worship, kids ministry, youth ministry, adult education, and fellowship. A staged plan was then developed to increase total capacity while maintaining the current ministry balance in both an initial Phase One project, and in the master plan for the new site.

    Facility Features
  • 73,300 square feet in phase one
  • Preserve current ministry balance
  • Spacious, functional, attractive sanctuary
  • Backstage ministry and storage facilities
  • Common Grounds, Kitchen, Narthex
  • Book Center
  • Windows, high ceilings, open interiors
  • Grand staircase and elevator
  • Pedestrian bridge entry to level 2
  • Multi-use Jr High/Rec space
  • Integrated kids ministry suite
  • Upper level HS-adult ed classrooms
  • Upper level cafe and balcony above narthex
  • Upper level administrative offices
  • Phase one anchors master plan design
  • Prairie theme in landscaping
  • Clear pond and other wetland features

The new building site comprises 60 acres, 6.82 of which are a designated seasonal wetland that will be preserved in the future. Together with a system of retention ponds to manage runoff from paved surfaces, these water features will create and sustain the natural ecology of this notable site. An ancient prairie that once was the domain of herds of bison, the property is a now a temporary home for migratory shorebirds as well as many species of wildlife and plants.

The site plan indicates Phase One and includes an outline of the final master plan building dimensions. The Phase One building will occupy 1.28 acres, featuring a large worship and fellowship building, connected to a two-level education and administration building. First and second floor plans indicate major ministry areas. The schematic elevation provides an additional impression of Phase One. The master plan building calls for a structure that will occupy 3.45 acres and serve nearly 10,000 people at capacity.

Features and layout of the Phase One building are intended to facilitate worship, work, and witness.

The facility will also house the Christos Bookcenter that will be available to the public.

The development of Phase One of the new campus is expected to require an investment of $13 M, including land, all aspects of planning, construction, and furnishing of the new space. The congregation committed $4 M over three years as initial “Imagine a Place…” giving. Funds from the eventual sale of the current facility, together with a future mortgage, will be required to meet the challenge of the Phase One vision. As an example of congregational investment, one couple donated all of the funds necessary to build and outfit a new Book Center facility to be part of Phase One of the new building.

Site preparation for Phase One of construction took place in the fall of 2003. The congregation voted in August of 2004 to commence construction in September 2004. Construction was completed in December 2005.

Comments on the project may be directed to info@autumnridgechurch.org. Inquiries about giving toward facility costs can be made by calling the church office at 507-288-8880.