The first Slavic Baptist Church in Spokane, Washington, was established in August 1991. An old church building was purchased with donations from believers near the center of Spokane on Cannon Street. The first service was attended by 13 families. However, over time, an increasing number of families arrived from different parts of the former Soviet Union. The church grew in numbers every Sunday. By December 1991, there was already more than one hundred people attending the church. Brothers and sisters with inspiration  gathered in the evenings for singing, rehearsals, and youth meetings. On Sundays, classes were held with children. In October 1991, Peter Dacko was elected to be the presbyter of the church.

     Since April 1995, Alexander K. Sipko, who held this ministry until March 2019, has been serving in the church at Cannon Street. By the beginning of 1997, the church had grown to 400 members. The question arose about the construction of a new Prayer House. From 1997 to 1998, construction work went on. In fact, the church building was built in a year. Despite the construction, financial investments, and physical labor, the church grew numerically and strengthened spiritually. In December 1998, the first service was held in the new building at 8913 N. Nettleton Ln, Spokane, WA. The Lord sent young ministers to His field; church ordination for pastor and deacon services was performed. Selected leadership was actively involved in responding to the needs of church members.

     From the beginning of the organization of the church, a musical and singing ministry has been developing. This includes the Main choir, Levite choir, Youth choir, Teens choir, and Children’s choir. There is also work being done in the brass and symphony orchestras. There are several singing groups that work for the Lord. Both in the church and outside, on missionary trips.

     Recently, the Ministry of the Media Department has developed quite successfully. Thanks to the success of modern technology, church services today are broadcast live and recorded far beyond the borders of the United States, having the gospel reach many people.

    Classes with young people are held not only at youth meetings on Sundays but also in the middle of the week, at home, and in Christian camps. Young people attend fraternal churches and nursing homes for older believers and serve in missionary fields. The widows of the church are not left unattended either; once a month, they conduct communions with them for comfort and edification.

     Prayer plays a significant role in the life of the church. Prayers are held in different places and at different times, with the participation of those who have dedicated themselves to this important service. Only the Lord knows how many children, adolescents, and young people were saved for Christ through the prayers of the saints.

     There are services in the church that cover certain needs and categories of people; for example, the communication of the Mother World groups and L. I. F. T. groups mainly respond to the needs of mothers and women in various situations of life. Moreover, once a month, brothers meet for a prayer breakfast.

     A service is being held for children at Sunday and Russian schools. A “Slavic Christian Academy” was organized, where children are taught on a Christian basis in all subjects. The Lord sent American teachers, whose work is a mission field of activity.

     In addition to the listed services above, work is also being done to improve the territory of the Prayer House, order in church premises, prepare the building for special holidays and celebrations, security inside and outside of the church, and so on.

     Over time, the Prayer House was in need of repair and reconstruction. The internal design of the building has been changed, and additional rooms have been added. Currently, work is underway on the additional reconstruction of the building.

     The church has its own camp, where every year children and adults have the opportunity not only to relax but to also conduct Christian camps, baptisms, seminars, wedding feasts, and other types of communications.

     We understand that time does not stand still and periodically forces us to stop and reevaluate what needs to be changed in the life of the church and what should remain unchanged, and our task is to make the right decisions. We pray for all the saints and ask you, dear friend, and also pray for us to fulfill the main mission of the Church of Jesus Christ, namely, to be a statement of truth in this world and to bring the good news to all of humanity.

Slavic Baptist Church, Spokane