Deep roots
Flin Flon’s Baptist roots date back to at least early 1937, when Rev. Charles J. Smith came from Bowsman, Manitoba, to Flin Flon to renew acquaintances with former congregation members now living in the northern mining town.
Smith held services at Ross Lake School and a private home before eventually being tasked with establishing a Baptist church in Flin Flon.
First Baptist Church opened on Channing Drive, near the Third Avenue intersection, on Nov. 6, 1938. Additions to the building came in later years.
The final service at the building was held on June 8, 2014. It was soon discovered that the foundation of the front part of the church had been severely damaged over the long, harsh winter of 2013-14.
The City of Flin Flon cordoned off the front of the building as inspectors feared the towering front wall could collapse onto the road below.
Perhaps more than anything else, the Baptist church was known for the large sanctuary window on the face of the building.
In the lead-up to the demolition, the frosted window was salvaged and put in storage.
“If we build, it’s going on the new building somewhere,” said Pastor Jim Galbraith.
Sources: the book Flin Flon, The Reminder
