First Baptist Church

Fourteen Baptists gathered in the home of Major W. F. Fewel, a Methodist, on August 26, 1882 to hold their first meeting with the Rev. George W. Baines, Jr., missionary pastor. On December 10, 1882 the first Sunday School was held. Three girls, six boys and fifteen adults attended. The first "church house" was constructed in 1885 at Magoffin and San Antonio. In 1906 the church moved two blocks away to a new location on Magoffin Avenue, which can be seen on the postcard. In 1932, First Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church consolidated their congregations and was housed at 805 Montana. In 1952, the present Sanctuary was constructed along with a new children's building. In 1975, the interior was remodeled, and a pipe organ installed in 1982 during the Centennial Celebration. Further recent sanctuary renovations have included the expansion of the organ into a 180 rank pipe/digital combination instrument, new pews and new sound and media equipment. Construction was completed in 1997 on a new multi-purpose fellowship hall with recreational capabilities, new ground-floor senior adult departments and classrooms and new preschool departments. Today, First Baptist Church has grown in membership to over 4,000 members. The church is known and recognized for the depth and quality of its ministries and programs provided in its efforts to reach El Paso for Christ and disciple the growing Christian. First Baptist has sponsored numerous missions in our city of which twelve have now become churches. The church has prospered under the leadership of 20 pastors during its 120 year history.