History of ABCGI
Learn about the history of our region
We will add more historical information here before and during our 200th anniversary in 2026.
The Indianapolis Association of Baptists was formed on Friday October 13, 1826, when seven Baptist congregations sent “messengers” (delegates) to represent them in a convention that took place near Marion, Shelby County, Indiana. The Moderator, Reverend John Caldwell, and Clerk, Reverend James McCoy, gathered the seven churches:
- Indianapolis
- White Lick
- Union
- New Hope
- Marion
- Liberty
- Union
They formulated Articles of Constitution and of Faith.
Over time, the Association has come to be known as the American Baptist Churches of Greater Indianapolis. We celebrate our bicentennial in 2026 – next year.