Our Church History

“This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven”
(Genesis 28:17)

In 1888, a few Baptist settlers rented the basement of the Belmont Flats on Hamilton Avenue in College Hill to be used for the purpose of meeting and to hold prayer services.

In 1890, construction began on the new church known as the St. Paul Baptist Church, which is now the present First Baptist Church. The new church was a small frame building that was often referred to as “THE LITTLE WOODEN CHURCH ON A HILL". In 1943, with the persistence of faithful members, the auditorium of the church was completed. It is acknowledged that for 100 years, we have been striving, and we’ve come a long way. In 1988, First Baptist Church West College Hill proudly celebrated 100th Anniversary.

In 2005, First Baptist welcomed our current pastor, Reverend Charles L. King, Jr. With much enthusiasm, he has been able to take God’s vision and ensure that those persons who have been entrusted to his care are taught the Word of God.

The following year, First Baptist began the First Baptist Church Health and Wellness Ministry. A partnership began with The Center for Closing the Health Gap - a faith-based organization focused on eliminating health disparities. Our Children’s Church was birthed from the need to educate our children in the Word of God.

By 2007, First Baptist was establishing itself as a church bringing about change in the community. On April 14, 2007, First Baptist was 1 of 4 churches that graduated from the HLI (Health Leadership Institute) and was presented at The 4th Conference & Health Expo sponsored by the Center for Closing the Health Gap. In January of 2007, an adult walking program was developed. To great reviews, First Baptist sponsored its 1st Children’s Book Fair. Along with the initiative to reach and serve children in the community, a reading program was developed for children and parents. The focus of the reading program is to put books into the hands of as many children as possible and support families in nurturing the need for early literacy.

Beginning in 2008, Pastor King and the congregation are embarking on the “Faith Harvest Campaign”. It is an external testimony of the greatest investment of faith, family, and finance and a willingness to sow the seeds for an eternal harvest.

First Baptist is proud of its accomplishments over more than 120 years. We look forward to serving our Lord and Savior, adding to His flock and continuing to exhibit an attitude and lifestyle that glorifies His name.

Rev. Charles L. King, Jr. : 2005 - present
Rev. Sherman Buttram : 1993 - 2004
Rev. Donald Allen : 1992 - 1993
Rev. George Collier (interim) : 1988 - 1992
Rev, Edward Jones : 1933 - 1988