A community of believers in the Vallecito valley, sharing the love of Jesus since 1951. The welcome is simple: come as you are. Whether you live here year-round or you're up at the lake for the weekend, there's a seat for you on Sunday.
Every Sunday
Adult Bible Study — 9:00 AM
Worship Service — 10:30 AM
Visitors are always welcome and there's no dress code — the focus here is on hearts, not appearances.
During the week
Each month
Visit, call, or get directions
Vallecito Church is a community congregation with Southern Baptist heritage, serving Bayfield and the Vallecito valley. Senior pastor Clark Cothern was called in August 2024 and has served in ministry alongside his wife, Joy, for more than 30 years. He's supported by a team of elders — Bob Tate, Rick McCune, and Ken Baker — who help lead everything from children's ministry and Vacation Bible School to the food pantry, prayer quilts, and firewood help for neighbors in need.
Their mission, in their own words, is simple: encourage, equip, and evangelize the people of the Vallecito valley.
The dream of a church in the Vallecito valley began in 1951, around a piano in the lobby of Lost Creek Lodge, owned by Claude and Bunkie Crane. Travelers and locals would gather to sing. The singing grew into gospel singing, and then into Bible study, and the Lord blessed the witness.
In 1958, the First Baptist Church of Ignacio agreed to sponsor the work, and Vallecito Mission was born. A used tent that seated 200 went up, and services began that summer. Ground was broken on August 16, 1959 — with an offering of just $397 — for a 30×50 log church, built from donated logs and volunteer labor and finished in time for services in the summer of 1961. In those early years preachers drove out from Ignacio, summer pastors came from Southwestern Seminary, and services ran from May to Labor Day.
On August 1, 1971, the mission was constituted as a church in its own right — Vallecito Baptist Church, with 26 charter members. An auditorium addition followed in 1975, again with donated logs and labor. More recent years brought a Fellowship Hall expansion (2021) and a concrete pad for the summer tent (2023). Pastor Clark Cothern was called in August 2024.
Through every chapter, as the church puts it, the goal has never changed: to spread the good news of Jesus throughout this valley.
Vallecito Church keeps the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of everything it does. It observes two ordinances — baptism by immersion and communion — as expressions of faith, and welcomes anyone seeking to know more. You can read the full Statement of Faith on the church's website.
✉️ [email protected] · 📞 (970) 884-2901 · 📍 17576 CR 501, Bayfield