Palo Verde Baptist Church |

Church Mission Statement

The mission of the Palo Verde Baptist Church, as a body of baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, is to bring people to Jesus, bind ourselves together for communion and fellowship in worship, to grow spiritually, and to train and support believers as they serve and lead, both at home and throughout the world.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20

Church Doctrine

We Preach:

That the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
That God is a triune being.
That God created all things.
That all are born dead in trespasses and sins.
That Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God and was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and now sits at the right hand of the Father.
That salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning work upon the cross and his resurrection from the dead.
That Jesus Christ is coming again.
That the local church is to be autonomous.
That we must participate in the “Great Commission.”

Church History

Palo Verde Baptist Church had its beginnings in the old schoolhouse shared by Palo Verde and Arlington located on the west bank of the Hassayampa River. When the Palo Verde-Arlington schoolhouse was stolen and moved to Palo Verde, the Sunday School moved with it. Palo Verde Baptist church was officially started January 3, 1903, by 19 charter members with the financial help from the Baptist Home Mission Board.

Mr. Peder Benson and Mr. and Mrs. William Bruner, who had adjoining farms at what is now 29600 West Old US Highway 80, each donated an acre of land for a cemetery and church. With local contributions and loans of $350, the building became a reality, and the first service was held in November 1903. The church was incorporated under the laws of the Territory of Arizona on October 16, 1903.

On December 16, 1915, the first Palo Verde Women’s Missionary Society was organized with 12 members. The first BYPU was formed on March 7, 1915. From October 1918 through January 1919, the church was closed by order of the Arizona State Board of Health, due to the flu epidemic that claimed at least two church members.

The original building was damaged by weather and was replaced by the present building in 1937. The original parsonage has also been replaced. The “annex” with restrooms, kitchen, meeting rooms, and nursery has been added. A baptistery was also added to the church in the 1960s. The cemetery, which is owned and operated by the church, has both spiritual and historical significance.

Through the years we have helped support several missionaries, some with roots here in our church. Several or our missionaries are descendants of Delbert and Neva Wood, who served the church faithfully through the years. Dr. Clyde Narramore, the only surviving son of Ed Narramore, an early member who died during the flu epidemic, is a nationally known psychologist, author, and founder of the Narramore Christian Foundation. His nephew, Dr. Bruce Narramore, psychologist, author, and president of NCF, also grew up in PVBC.

We have many wonderful memories of Daily Vacation Bible School with Mrs. Mary Joslin leading songs like “I’m in the Lord’s Army,” Sunday school, youth choir, volleyball games, and many potluck dinners. Many of these activities continue to this day.

Most importantly, the church has been faithfully preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over a century. Palo Verde Baptist Church is alive and well after its beginnings over 100 years ago. With God’s help and guidance, it will continue to be. We invite you to come and be an active part of the church. You can help to make history both in the present and the future.