Our History
First Baptist Church of Pittsburg was organized July 20, 1920, Rev. W. H. Hughes was called to pastor. The church was located in a small building in Pittsburg, California.
Bro. W. S. Woods accepted the call to the ministry and served as the first pastor following the merger of the two churches from 1923 - 1925. Rev. H. H. Mitchell, Sr., Rev. W. S. Woods and Rev. J. T. Muse served as pastor through such tumultuous times including the Depression of the 30's and World War II.
Pastor Woods served the church well, and many accomplishments were seen as a result of his vision. Under his leadership, sister churches emerged from FBC. First Baptist Church purchased the church building, burned the mortgage, and acquired Woods Manor, an 85 unit apartment complex for those needing financial assistance. Pastor Woods, to many, served as the spiritual father of Pittsburg, was active in community, convention, and religious works. The Lord called Rev. Woods home from his labor in 1973.
The church was once again without a leader when Rev. Woods was called to his heavenly home in glory. God touched the heart of Rev. Julius Pender and in April 1974, First Baptist Church was blessed with a new leader. The church continued to grow and prosper, adding an 8:00 a.m. worship service, Children's Church, as well as the First Baptist Church Head Start Program, which continues to grow today. Rev. Pender retired January 1, 1991. He was called to his heavenly home on June 30, 1999.
After a pulpit committee search, God heard our call and blessed us with Rev. Henry L. Perkins. Under his leadership, which began on August 1, 1991, the church membership increased two-fold in less than a year and has continued that progressive growth today. In addition, new committees have been formed which include: New Members' Follow-Up Ministry, Christian Growth Classes, Big Brother Ministry and Bible Study.
Under the lordship of Jesus Christ and leadership of Rev. Perkins, our church has enjoyed further growth by adding new ministries which include: Seniors' (Seasoned Saints) Ministry, Praise Team Ministry, Youth Young Adult Ministry, Evangelism Ministry, PATH Homeless Project, First Baptist Tutorial-Enrichment Program, Praise Dancers, S.H.A.R.E. Food Program, Prison Ministry, Feed the Hungry Ministry, FBC Summer Recreation Program and the Counseling Ministry.
First Baptist Church has been blessed with a great heritage! Today we have many opportunities to fill the spiritual needs of our members as well as the community. We're on our journey of the new horizon. With vision, through our outreach programs, we are providing needed services to the community in the greater Pittsburg area trusting God to expand our facilities to further the ministry of Christ.
The Lord has truly blessed our church, as we are determined to fulfill it's purpose!