Indianapolis Baptist Temple Celebrates 60th Anniversary

"Feds Seize Baptist Temple" was the ominous headline that literally screamed out the news to the city of Indianapolis on February 14, Valentines Day, 2001. To the prosecutors and "Higher Ups" in the U.S. Justice Department and many others in the court system and even among the so-called "religious," this was supposed to be the "death knell" of the Baptist Temple. The issue was the age old Baptist (Bible) doctrine of the Lordship of Christ over the church.

However, under the leadership of their able and undaunted pastor, Rev. Greg A. Dixon, and after spending over five years worshipping in school and cafeteria auditoriums, they have just celebrated their 60th anniversary in their own permanent 75,000 sq. foot facility. It is called The Life Center at Southport, and is located in one of the most strategic areas of the city at 4002 E. Southport Rd, just two blocks West of I 65 South.

Nearly 700 worshippers gathered Sunday morning, June 27, 2010 to hear Kenn Johnson, the Chaplain of the Indianapolis Colts, sing, and to hear former pastor Dr. Greg Dixon preach. Fifteen men, along with their wives, who had left the Temple for Christian service, were guests over the weekend and added a special blessing to the activities. Another preacher and a pastor's wife, who had gone out from the church, were also present besides those mentioned above. Those present heard a challenge from the former pastor Dr. Greg Dixon, to not be "Paralyzed by the Past" but to be "Energized by the Future" as the church launches out on a new beginning. The sermon can by heard on the church web site.

However, the main highlight of the occasion was the 60-foot time line that stretched down the main hall way of the church foyer, tracing the history of the church from its humble beginnings, when its first pastor, the Rev. George Young, and his wife came to Indianapolis in 1950 and started the church on the dance floor of the pavilion of the Longacre Park, south of the city, until they moved to the present location. Each family who attended was presented with a disc of the timeline.

Following are some pictures from the IBT’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

Ministers and their wives who came back to celebrate the anniversary being greeted by Pastor Dixon

Dr. Greg Dixon

Rev. Charles Denny, one of the first IBT staff members, now in Middletown, Ohio

Pastor Greg A. Dixon

Polly Thompson, church receptionist for 18 years, husband Paul, son Doug with his wife Debbie. Doug is Pastor of Grace Baptist, Bloomington, IN

Jeffrey McGhee, Pastor of Justified By Faith Baptist Church, Indianapolis

John and Edna Biggers, IBT members for over 55 years

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Shannon, son Dennis and Mark Williams, Missionary to Mexico

Sunday morning service

Approximately 400 gathered for dinner on Sunday evening. The “chow hound” is Jack Smith.

Saturday night gospel sing