Our Vision: 

Our vision is to build a full service community based church that is built upon the sound principles and teachings of Jesus Christ and his Apostles; to train leaders and believers for the work of the ministry using their God given talents (Gifts). 

History of First Baptist Church: 

The restlessness that comes after any major conflict found the young Negro unwilling to return to his former way of life, so they began to roam.  In the course of their wandering, their footsteps led them to the streets of East Chicago, Indiana.  During this time, there was a great demand for unskilled labor and they set up settlement here.  Financial stability enabled them to send home for their family and friends.  Despite all this prosperity, there was something very viable missing in their lives.  They had no place to worship.  A small group of consecrated Christians took on the task to rectify this situation. 

In the early 1900's, at the home of Reverend Simpson located at 4731 Todd Avenue, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, using the assistance of Reverend Spencer and a small band, they organized the first black church in East Chicago and names it First Baptist Church where they continued to worship at Reverend Simpson's home under the direct tutelage of Reverend W. B. Forbes of Macon Georgia. 

As membership began to increase, they moved into Columbia Hall under Reverend Young, their first pastor for approximately six months.  At this time, the First Baptist Church called Reverend W. F. Frazier from Bessemer, Alabama.  It was under this pastor that Professor J. A. Bynes, our first deacon, was ordained. 

As the families began to arrive on Sunday mornings, the Sunday School started and they began to have weekly prayer meetings.  The flock continued to grow as the migration from the south continued.  During these early years, the church moved to several locations carrying wooden chairs and a table for a pulpit.  Years later, the church purchased some land at 4901 McCook Avenue and began the building process. 

As they built, the mortar was mixed by hand and the bricks carried on little wagons.  The women prepared meals for the workers, made money selling dinners, bake sales, sweet potato pies and occasionally the men contributed by cooking bar-b-que to sell.   Once the lower level was constructed, worship began in its basement.   During this construction period, the pastor was Reverend Sanders, a carpenter who along with other community men constructed a structure which included a four-room house for Reverend Sanders and his family.  The present kitchen in the 4901 McCook location is the original kitchen for his house.  Their family bedroom is now the clerk's office. The baptismal pool was handmade as it remains.  No one was paid any wages for this labor.  It was at the 4901 McCook address that the community and the church worked hand-in-hand with the anointing by GOD. 

In 1936, the community was trying to survive from the depression.  Spirits were low, men and women were on the verge of losing hope, and First Baptist Church was without a Spiritual leader.  Reverend T. S. Saunders from Macedonia Baptist Church of Denver, Colorado, received the calling from the Holy Spirit and began to bring solace to the membership as a guiding light in the community.  It was under his leadership that the auditorium building process began to take place.  Sunday, June 25, 1939, First Baptist Church moved in the auditorium. 

Following five successful years, Reverend Saunders was called to the Pilgrim Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana.  Following this change in leadership, two additional ministers, Reverend Spears and Reverend George lead the congregation.  In 1946, Reverend Saunders returned to First Baptist Church where he remained the pastor until his death. 

Reverend P. C. Harrison, formerly from Louisiana, was lead to First Baptist in 1951 where he remained until March 4, 1957.  Once again, First Baptist Church was without a spiritual leader until October, 1957 when Reverend O'Dell McGlothian, Sr. from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Under his leadership, we were able to liquidate all debts. 

Many outstanding ministers have followed in the footsteps of our founding fathers to contribute to the growth of First Baptist Church.  Many ministries have prospered; many souls have been nurtured into the teaching and learning of the gospel. 

The ground breaking ceremony for the new edifice of First Baptist Church was held in October, 2002 under the leadership of Reverend Allen Smith.  Shortly thereafter, First Baptist Church was faced with the dilemma of being without a spiritual leader, however, GOD's building process of His church continued.   

Reverend Dennis B. Bennett, from Selma, Alabama cut the ribbons to walk into the new sanctuary on Sunday, June 13, 2004. In the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pastor Bennett stated that, "First Baptist is setting the standard for the kind of community they envisioned, and true greatness comes only as a result of a great challenge." With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of Pastor Bennett the church growth and the rebuilding of the community allowed First Baptist Church will continue to serve an example of faith and hope. 

January 1, 2012, Pastor Douglas C. Sloss of Indianapolis, Indiana became the leader and Senior Pastor of the oldest African American church in the City of East Chicago celebrating 100 years.  Currently, under the leadership of Pastor Sloss, the congregation has grown, ministries have flourished and the community as a whole has embraced the vision of First Baptist Church;  Working Together - Building God's Kingdom.