Church History

For the past 95 years, First Baptist Church of North Kansas City has been a bridge of God’s grace through worship, discipleship, evangelism, ministry and fellowship. Emerging from a revival, FBC was founded with 28 original members in April 1916. The church first met in a store-front building at the corner of Swift and Armour (presently CVS Pharmacy).  During World War I, for lack of a meeting space, the church disbanded in 1918 for 16 months.  In April 1919, the church was revived and met until 1920 in “Glad Tidings” -- a railroad car turned into a chapel. Meanwhile, the first permanent structure was built near 22nd and Knox.  In 1928, a new red brick church was built at 2205 Iron.

First Baptist Church was blessed with continued growth, and in 1948 ground was broken for the yellow brick sanctuary on the corner of 22nd and Iron. In 1949 our  present sanctuary was completed with the 1928 building being converted to educational space.  As the church updated its focus and expanded its bridge, additional educational space was added in 1951 with the NW Educational Building and in 1968 the East Wing.  Also, in the 1968 project, the sanctuary underwent major renovation.  Between 1988 and 2005, other major renovations took place, i.e., the North and NW Educational Buildings, the East and West Fellowship Halls, the Youth Center, the Nursery and the elevator/office project.

Throughout its history, First Baptist Church has supported missions, both locally and around the world.  FBC has started numerous new churches, supported struggling churches as well as provided meeting space for Korean, Anuak, and Hispanic congregations. In recent years, members have formed mission teams to spread the Good News in six states and internationally to Mexico, Africa and Southeast Asia. Through the Cooperative Program and partnerships, FBC continues to extend its bridge of God’s grace from 22nd and Iron throughout the Metroplex and the world.