Early records from First Southern Baptist Church in Durango indicate that the church came into existence on Dec. 7, 1951. In January 1952, the church welcomed the first members, called a new pastor and reveled in its first baptism.

Now 70 years later, the church celebrated its platinum anniversary on July 4 with an ice cream social and games. The church also changed its name to Parkside Baptist Church to better reflect its location, catty-corner to Fassbinder Park, 1715 West Second Ave.