Est. 1862
About Our Church
A church family in Bushnell, Illinois since 1862 — learning together to know, love, and obey God.
Discover a place of faith and fellowship
Our Mission and Values
At First Baptist Church, our mission is to build a community where individuals can deepen their faith and experience the love of Christ. Our compassion and service are rooted in our desire to know God and make Him known.
The love of God inspires us to obey Him and put Him first seven days a week. Join us at 90 Murphy Road, Bushnell, for any of our services or activities. We look forward to seeing you.
Est. 1862
A heritage of faith in Bushnell
For more than 160 years, First Baptist has been a church family in Bushnell, Illinois.
1862
Organized
A small group of Baptist believers in Bushnell organized the church in 1862, with Rev. H.S.P. Warren as its first pastor. They first met in the German Methodist church and in Andrew’s and Smith’s halls.
1866
A first church home
The congregation built its first church building in the 1860s on Crafford Street, a few years after organizing.
1971
90 Murphy Road
In 1971 the church built its present home at 90 Murphy Road, where we still gather for Sunday School, worship and Wednesday-night BLAST OFF!
Sources: The History of McDonough County (1885); “History of Bushnell: The Churches,” Community News, Feb. 17, 2026. [CHURCH TO CONFIRM HISTORY WORDING]
Sunday morning
What to expect
Sunday School · 9:00–9:45 AM
Classes are available for preschool through adult — a more hands-on approach to learning from the Bible, with questions and discussion. You do not need to come with the answers, just a desire to learn.
Worship · 10:00–11:00 AM
The congregational worship service (often just called “church”) begins at 10:00 a.m. The praise team leads the congregation in singing, and then Pastor Dave Eden delivers a message based on his study of the Word.
Meet our pastor
Pastor Dave Eden
First Baptist Church · Bushnell
Pastor Dave Eden leads First Baptist Church of Bushnell, where each Sunday he delivers a message rooted in careful study of God’s Word. His verse-by-verse series have walked the congregation through books like Philippians and Isaiah. Whether he’s baptizing new believers, cheering on the kids at BLAST OFF!, or welcoming a first-time guest, Pastor Dave’s heart is for this small church with a BIG FAMILY to know God, love Him, and make Him known.
Pastor Dave also writes a monthly pastor’s newsletter of reflections and church family updates — ask him to add you to the mailing list.
Our statement of faith
What We Believe
1
Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible
We believe both the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, without error in their original writings, and divinely preserved.
2
Final Authority
We believe the Scriptures are the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of mankind and the ultimate authority for all Christian faith and life.
3
Sharing the Word
We believe God instructs His followers to share His Word so that people can hear and believe.
4
Mission and Fellowship
Our mission is to build a community where individuals deepen their faith, experience Christ’s love, and put God first seven days a week, in a “small church, BIG FAMILY” atmosphere.
small church – BIG FAMILY
Join us this Sunday
90 Murphy Road · Bushnell, IL
9:00 AM
Sunday School · 9:00–9:45
10:00 AM
Worship · 10:00–11:00
5:30 PM
BLAST OFF! Wednesdays