Välkommen! (Welcome!)

We are West Side Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas

Did You Know…We Started as a Swedish Refugee Church?

Our Wonderful Church began as a refuge for Swedish-speaking refugee immigrants seeking religious freedom, spiritual community, and mutual support. Established on January 1, 1881, by eleven families, the church was originally named Första Svenska Baptist Kyrkan (First Swedish Baptist Church) of Topeka. The brave souls built their first sanctuary on the southwest corner of 6th and Fillmore, providing a place where immigrants could worship in their native language and find fellowship in a new land.

Over the decades, the church evolved to meet the changing needs of its community…and the new refugees and immigrants claiming Topeka as their new home. As the neighborhood transformed, West Side Baptist Church embraced its role as a welcoming congregation for all people, regardless of background. Today, the church is known for its commitment to loving God and loving people, sharing the Good News of God’s forgiving and renewing love through both words and hands-on actions. The mission extends beyond the local community to the city of Topeka, the state, the nation, and the world.

Located in the Ward Meade neighborhood, West Side Baptist Church continues to serve as a place of belonging, belief, and involvement. Whether you’re new to church or looking for a fresh start, the church welcomes you to join in worship and community. wsbctopeka.org

OUR MISSION - We love God and love people by sharing the Good News of God's forgiving, renewing love in word and hands-on actions to improve the lives of our Ward Meade neighbors, community, City of Topeka, County, State, Nation, and World in the name of Jesus Christ. 

OUR VISION – We commit ourselves to continual personal growth, reaching out to win and nurture others in the love of Jesus Christ. This undergirds our purpose that as the people of God, worshipping the Lord, inviting others to know Jesus Christ as Savior, growing in Christ, and ministering to all with love, and we shall live in obedience to the will of God in every relationship.

West Side Baptist Church is an autonomous Christian church of the Baptist tradition, partnering for mission support and global service with like-minded people of faith who love Jesus and love other people.

UPDATED: 17 AUGUST 2025