History
1902-45
In 1902, the Louisiana Board of Missions sent E.K. Robinson to begin a mission in Lafayette. On November 23, 1902, First Baptist Church was organized and in 1904 Rev. James I. Kendrick became the first pastor.
On February 10, 1910, the church dedicated its first building. Five pastors served the church from 1912 until 1932 when J.C. Wells began a 14 year pastorate. At that time 223 people were enrolled in Sunday School. That number more than doubled before 1940. Under Wells’ leadership the church purchased property for the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. A radio ministry began in 1935. The first of several mission churches was started in 1939. In 1940, property was purchased for a new sanctuary.
1946-80
In 1946, Dr. R.L. Holmes became pastor and in 1949 a record 473 people marched down Lee Avenue to the new building that would serve the church for 50 years. In 1959, Perry Sanders became pastor, and the congregation set a course of evangelism and growth.
Educational buildings were completed in 1961, 1969, and 1980. The sanctuary was enlarged in 1971.
The beginning of regular telecasts in 1963 raised the visibility of the church and strengthened the positive image of the church in the community. In 1967, Luther Burney began a music ministry of more than 38 years. During this period a ten-year “Symphony of Song” series was followed by “The Singing Christmas Tree” which continues today.
The purchase in 1980 of the Mt. Carmel School property signified a long term desire for growth and the advancement of God’s work from downtown.
1981-Today
On June 9, 1999, a fire destroyed the sanctuary, but on the following Sunday morning a rainbow greeted worshippers and inspired the “Promise” campaign. Members pledged over eight million dollars to rebuild on the same site. A new 100,000 square foot building was completed in 2004 that preserved the steeple and columns from the previous building, while providing a more spacious and contemporary worship space.
In November, 2004, Senior Pastor Perry Sanders shared his “Forward Vision” with the church. That process led to the calling of Dr. Steve Horn as Pastor. Following Sanders’ retirement in 2006, Dr. Horn challenged the church to take “the same gospel to the next generation until all the nations know, all for God’s glory.”
During the next decade, a new Fellowship Hall and education facilities were built, and a high school was started. “First Baptist Loves Lafayette” began in 2008 as a day of community missions. An increased partnership with area non-profits also enhanced compassion ministries. Mission efforts continued with annual trips to Romania, Brazil, and Haiti, and a partnership with Compassion International.
On March 8, 2020, First Baptist called Dr. James Pritchard of Forney, Texas, as Senior Pastor. Brother James is a conservative theologian, a personal soul-winner, and an expositional preacher. His heart is to serve the local church to fulfill her mission of reaching people for Christ and leading them to spiritual maturity.
