Building Space for Growing Faith: First Baptist Denham Springs

Growth often requires expansion, which is just what First Baptist Church Denham Springs needed. Take a look back on the history of our eight-year-long partnership with First Baptist Church.

Since the first group of dedicated believers laid the foundation for their church in 1900, First Baptist Church has become a pillar in the Denham Springs Community and has seen incredible growth, both spiritually and in size. As with all growth journeys, it has not come without its challenges. Due to increasing flood-risks, First Baptist Church acquired 44 acres of land on higher ground along Pete’s Highway in 2000. This move brought the most significant expansion in the church’s history. That’s where we joined their team.

Kent Design Build became a privileged partner with this historic church in 2016 when we created a 43,309 sq ft worship facility on their new site. This monumental project included a beautiful worship space and educational facilities that would serve the church’s rapidly growing membership.

In 2021, we completed another exciting chapter in this partnership with the construction of an 18,000 sq ft addition for the church’s thriving children's ministry. This new space includes classrooms, two large worship venues for preschool and elementary-age children, and a secure children’s lobby with check-in facilities. The priority of this new addition was safety and functionality. Wide hallways prevent congestion on Sundays, and the classrooms are equipped with one-way windows, allowing parents to check on their children without being seen. The children’s worship spaces are outfitted with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, creating an engaging and immersive learning environment. The adjacent outdoor courtyard, marked by a cross at its center, is a versatile gathering space that can be used for everything from worship services to church cookouts.

We were honored to return to FBC Denham to complete the third phase of construction which entailed a 8,675-square-foot addition including the addition of a recreation and lounge area for student ministries to gather, a large auditorium for youth worship and teaching, and an expanded lobby that now includes a coffee bar with café seating, providing a place for church members to connect with one another. The worship area seamlessly integrates with the church's existing facilities to provide the same quality audio and visual aspects of worship, on par with their main auditoriums.

As First Baptist Church Denham Springs continues to expand its reach, Kent Design Build remains honored to be part of their journey. With a congregation now exceeding 1,000 members, we are proud to have played a role in that story by creating spaces that will impact generations to come.