Vallecito Church History

The vision and dream of a church in the Vallecito valley started in 1951 around a piano in the lobby of the Lost Creek Lodge owned by Claude O. Crane and his wife, Bunkie. Many travelers and some more permanent would gather informally for singing. Singing grew into gospel singing and then Claude Crane, a wise Christian man, soon added Bible study. The Lord blessed this witness and convicted the hearts of many to pursue this dream to fruition.

A church sponsor was sought and in 1958, the First Baptist Church of Ignacio, under the conviction of the Lord, agreed with the vision and, thus, Vallecito Mission was born. A used tent that would seat 200 people was procured and services began the summer of 1958. 

A ground breaking was held on August 16, 1959, with an offering of $397, to construct a 30X50 log church. By faith, monies came along with many volunteer labor hours and the structure was completed in time for services the summer of 1961.  In the early days, preachers would drive from Ignacio to the valley for Sunday services. Services were held from May to Labor Day. Throughout the sixties and early seventies, the summer pastor would be a student from Southwestern Seminary. 

On August 1, 1971, Vallecito Mission was constituted as a church in its own right and became Vallecito Baptist Church with twenty six charter members. The need for a full time pastor was realized in the spring of 1975 and work on a nine thousand dollar auditorium addition had already begun in the summer of 1974. Logs were donated, as was volunteer labor and the structure was completed in 1975 paid by wisely saved surplus income throughout the years.

In the fall of 2017 Pastor Fred Hewett joined the church as senior pastor.  He called the first ever additional staff member in the fall of 2020, Tom Smith as worship pastor.

In recent years the addition of extended education and office space has allowed for new growth in Sunday school.  In the fall of 2021 the Fellowship Hall expansion was completed.  This project should allow for more fellowship and Sunday school space.  

In the spring of 2023 we poured a concrete pad as a base for our summer tent.  This project provides more safety for our church members and allows our tent and chairs to last longer.

In August of 2024 Pastor Clark Cothern II was called to become our new Pastor of Vallecito Church.  He and his wife Joy have been faithful to God's calling for over 30 years.

Additions and modifications have been made to the physical church through the years, but the spiritual goal of the church has never changed: to spread the gospel, good news of Christ Jesus throughout this valley.