We have been actively serving the Upper Country community since 1889.
Midvale Community Baptist Church
Midvale Idaho
Organized in 1889
Our History
The first meeting for worship in Middle Valley was held in 1881 with five people in attendance. A Methodist Minister conducted this service. At that time it was agreed for all to attend one church regardless of what denomination was represented. After a few years, and probably some disagreements, the Baptists and Church of Christ decided to each have their own churches. The Baptist Church was organized around 1889.
The founding families were Tom and Bill Mackay; Anderson, Milton, and Milford Hopper; Harvey and Francis Brittian and Charlie Reavis; all with large families. At the first they held their meetings in a saloon run by Mr. Reavis and in the home of the people. The first Baptist minister of this church was Anderson Hopper. The second pastor was a Mr. Ellion (or Elton) and while he was minister, the First Baptist Church was built in the Keithly Creek area. In about 1900 a man by the name of Charley Lydston began promoting the idea of a Baptist Church in the village of Midvale. He was successful and this building was built about 1905.
2023-Present
Pastor Chris Blythe began preaching on Sundays with the desire to provide Pulpit support while the church was searching for a permanent pastor. Pastor Chris, his family, and the church recognized the Lord was calling him to be the Bi-vocational Pastor and he was installed in August 2023. Since then, the church has been focused on outreach and ministering to the community.
About Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris Blythe is a shepherd, teacher, and mental‑health advocate with a deep love for people and a calling to walk with those who are suffering. His ministry blends biblical conviction with compassionate care, shaped by more than twenty years of pastoral leadership and clinical training.
Chris began ministry in 2001 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Ministry from Southern Christian University (now Amridge University) in 2005, followed by a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Luther Rice Seminary in 2011. He is currently completing a Master’s in Professional Counseling at Amridge University, expected August 2026.
He was licensed into the Gospel Ministry in 2008 and ordained in 2014. Chris has pastored churches across Idaho, North Carolina, and Virginia, and planted a church in Chatham, VA through the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. His passion is revitalizing rural churches—helping congregations rediscover their mission, strengthen outreach, and grow in spiritual health.
Chris is also a Mental Health Therapist at Lifeways in Ontario, Oregon, and a frequent speaker at community events. He regularly presents at the Four Rivers Cultural Center’s Equity Conferences and has spoken at DHS and caregiver conferences, connecting faith, mental health, and practical wisdom.
Chris and his wife, Jenny, have been married since 1999 and are the proud parents of five sons and a recently have been blessed with a wonderful daughter in law. Their family enjoys the outdoors—especially fishing, hunting, and spending time near the water. Chris is also an avid wildlife photographer with a special love for capturing birds around the country.
