First Baptist Church of Greater Washington Park (First Church) was established in 1939 on 4th Street, then moved into a home on Second Street, owned by one of its founding deacons, Mr. Harry Johnson, and his wife Mrs. Lily Johnson. He, along with Rev. J. S. Phifer, Deacon Burt Preeman, and Rev. Mitchell Friendly, worked to clean the home for worship services. Even though the members were few, they kept the faith and did not give up in despair.  They realized the importance of their religious obligations and continued to worship through service. Our forefathers continued to serve in the house of the Johnsons until a tent was purchased through the help of Jim Davis. 

As the members continued to grow, the need for a building came about. The original building was sketched on the back of a Gospel Voices Jubilee’s singing card on February 22, 1942, by Rev. Phifer and Deacon Johnson. Afterwards, the property was purchased from Deacon Harry Johnson’s uncle and the foundation was laid.

In 1986, renovations began on what was the original, white church, which included bricking the building. This was also the year that the Mass Choir was formed. During this time, it was an all-hands-on deck approach to getting the church completed and prepped for its first service in the newly renovated facility. As the story goes, one member, Mrs. Cora Thomas (who was married to Deacon John Thomas, whose father was also a minister at First Church, the Rev. Joe Thomas) at that time was working at a local department store. The church members worked with her to purchase new drapery for the sanctuary, which was used to cover the brown wooden blinds on the windows. Drapery was also hung in the choir stand to make a backdrop, which gave the impression of a faux window. From the pastor to lay members, many were involved in getting the church readied for its debut in 1988, which is the year the cornerstone was laid, the second one was laid in 1994 on Third Street.

Over the years, numerous programs, facilities, and various leaders have been at the helm of First Church, and countless individuals and families have been a part of our continual evolution and growth. Most notably, in 1985, Dr. Willie Welch, III, was elected as pastor of First Church. He was installed in March of 1986, and served faithfully until 2021, for a total of 36 years. During his tenure, First Church moved from Second Street to the present Third Street edifice, which was valued at $1Million.

Today, First Church is under the leadership of Pastor Leon Hampton, Jr., who was installed as the new pastor on October 23, 2022.