A Faith Baptist Church pastor from Anchorage and a group of teens from the Valley held a rally for the community on May 12, 1956. This rally marked the beginning of the Baptist Mission in the city of Kenai. This event raised enough money to help fund the down payment ($500) on an old tool shed purchased from the Wildwood Army Post and relocated to a site on the main street. The church kept growing and, in 1960, was constituted and later reconstituted in 1965 as the first Baptist Church. For over 65 years, this Kenai First Baptist Church has been an anchor of hope for the entire Peninsula. 

In 2021, this church began its refocusing process to successfully reach all neighbors in Kenai, North Kenai, Soldotna, and Nikiski. As a result of the First Baptist Kenai Church revitalization process, it changed its name to Anchor of Hope. Anchor of Hope remembers and reclaims the expectation and excitement that marked its humble beginnings. 

Whether you’ve attended this church or only visited its online website, the Anchor of Hope can pray for you, you can share your request, and a member of the Anchor of Hope pastoral team will pray for your confidential request or pray for you via the church’s Prayer Chain. You can also watch on demand and watch the Sunday Services messages at the Anchor of Hope’s website and social media. 

Website | 12815 Kenai Spur Hwy Kenai, AK 99611 | (907) 283-7672