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’s journey into ministry began in 2001 when he responded to God’s call with a heart full of faith and a desire to serve. That calling led him to Bible college, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Ministry from Southern Christian University (now Amridge University) in 2005. He later deepened his theological foundation with a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Luther Rice Seminary in 2011—and is currently completing a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Amridge University to further bridge the gap between faith and mental health.
Chris was licensed into the Gospel Ministry by the late Rev. Chuck Worth in Franklin, VA in 2008 and ordained in 2014 by Rev. Scott Cornette of River of Life Baptist Church. Over the years, he has faithfully pastored churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and Idaho, and planted a church in Chatham, VA through the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.
His ministry passion lies in revitalizing rural churches, helping them rediscover their purpose, grow in outreach, and thrive in their communities. Under his leadership, congregations have seen renewed energy, increased attendance, and powerful movements of salvation and baptism. Chris is deeply committed to sharing the hope of the Gospel and walking alongside those who are hurting.
In addition to his pastoral work, Chris serves as a Mental Health Therapist at Lifeways in Ontario, Oregon. He is also launching a faith-based mental health initiative called Tharseo Wellness—a ministry devoted to restoring hope through Jesus, renewing the mind, and equipping churches and community partners to respond to emotional and spiritual needs with wisdom and compassion.
Chris joined the Board of Directors for Love INC of Weiser, Idaho in January 2025, continuing his mission to serve both the church and the broader community.
Chris and his wife Jenny have been married since 1999 and are proud parents of five sons—three adults living in Caldwell and two teenagers still at home. The Blythe family loves the outdoors and spends their free time fishing, hunting, and relaxing near water. Chris is also a passionate wildlife photographer, always chasing the perfect shot—especially of owls, one of his favorite subjects..
