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Our Story
A Legacy of Faith. A Future of Hope.
Celebrating God's Faithfulness Through the Years
College Avenue Baptist Church has been part of the St. Maries community for generations, sharing the hope of Jesus Christ and serving our neighbors. Through seasons of growth, challenge, and change, God has remained faithful and continues to write our story.
A Season of Renewal
In recent years, God has brought a remarkable season of renewal to College Avenue Baptist Church. Families are finding a church home, new believers are being baptized, children and youth are growing in faith, and people of all ages are building meaningful relationships with Christ and one another. As Pastor Alan Creach says, “We are not practicing religion; we are building relationships with people and with Christ. We are doing all that we can to live our faith.” That desire shapes how we worship, serve, and connect with our community.
Serving Our Community
Our ministry extends beyond Sunday mornings through children's and youth programs, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School, community events, local outreach, and opportunities to serve our neighbors. Through the Share Garden, community meals, and other outreach efforts, we seek to care for both the physical and spiritual needs of those around us. We are also grateful for opportunities to partner with churches throughout the region through the Inland Empire Baptist Association and to support missions around the world, including church planting efforts in Malawi, Africa.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate what God has already done, we are excited about what lies ahead. Our Building Fund is helping prepare for a new sanctuary on the north end of our existing building, creating space for future generations to worship, learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ. We are grateful for everyone who has contributed toward this vision and for the excitement surrounding what God may do through this next chapter.
The Story Continues
The story of College Avenue Baptist Church is ultimately a story of God's faithfulness. Looking back, we see His provision. Looking around, we see His work. Looking ahead, we trust His leading. Our story is still being written—one prayer, one relationship, one act of service, and one changed life at a time.
We invite you to be part of the story.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
—1 Thessalonians 5:11
Historical photographs courtesy of the St. Maries Gazette Record and its archives.
Original photo located in the Benewah County Courthouse in St. Maries, Idaho.
A Journey Through the Years
1961 • A Church is Born
College Avenue Baptist Church is established in St. Maries.
The first worship services are held. More details to follow as we continue building on our history.
2024 • A New Beginning
The church enters a season of renewal.
Grand Reopening celebration.
Website and online ministry launched.
2025 • Growing Together
Vacation Bible School welcomes dozens of children and volunteers.
Multiple baptisms celebrate lives transformed through Christ.
Three elders are ordained.
Teen Tuesday, Share Garden, community Thanksgiving meal, Christmas community parade float, Easter Sunrise Service, Paul Bunyan Days Workship in the Park, and other outreach ministries continue to grow.
Partnerships with the Inland Empire Baptist Association, missions in Malawi, and other local churches continue to expand.
Today • Looking Ahead
God continues to grow our church family.
The Building Fund is established for a future sanctuary addition on the north end of our existing building.
We look forward with anticipation as God continues writing the next chapter of our story.
More than buildings, dates, or milestones, the story of College Avenue Baptist Church is the story of God's faithfulness. Every generation has played a part in His work, and we are grateful to continue that legacy as we look forward to all He has planned.