Content – Our Church History

“This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17)

In 1888, a few Baptist settlers rented the basement of the Belmont Flats on Hamilton Avenue in College Hill to be used for the purpose of meeting and to hold prayer services.

In 1890, construction began on the new church known as the St. Paul Baptist Church, which is now the present First Baptist Church. The new church was a small frame building that was often referred to as “The Little Wooden Church on the Hill”. In 1943, with the persistence of faithful members, the auditorium of the church was completed.  It is acknowledged that for over 130 years, we have been striving, and we’ve come a long way.  In 2018, First Baptist Church West College Hill proudly celebrated 130 years.

In 2005, First Baptist welcomed our pastor, Charles L. King, Jr.  With much enthusiasm, he has been able to take God’s vision and ensure that those persons who have been entrusted to his care are taught the word of God.

The God of miracles is beckoning us into the realm of the impossible!  We stand together at an exciting moment in history for the Church at large…specifically from First Baptist of West College Hill.  The years have brought many new challenges to our church and to our community, but we believe that God has brought us together, equipped us and is continually equipping us to meet the challenges that are before us.  As we seek to live as the people of God in College Hill and in the surrounding communities, we long to be an effective witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ keeping the Great Commission in mind – Jesus calls us to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

The early Church shared a vision, strategy and support network for the Church that we have read and studied in Acts 4:32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind.  No one claimed that any of his possession was his own, but they shared everything they had.”

To be in one in heart is to share the same cause within the vision, to want the same things.  When these things are what God wants then the church is not only united together but united in Christ.  To be one in mind is to share the same strategy which will see the vision fulfilled.

First Baptist Church West College Hill is proud of its accomplishments over more than 130 years.  We look forward to serving our Lord and Savior, adding to His flock and continuing to exhibit an attitude and lifestyle that glorifies His name.

Rev. Charles L. King, Jr. : 2005 – present
Rev. Sherman Buttram : 1993 – 2004
Rev. Donald Allen : 1992 – 1993
Rev. George Collier (interim) : 1988 – 1992
Rev. Edward Jones : 1933 – 1988