The Early Years, 1902 – 1917
Five charter members organized First Baptist on November 23, 1902.  Rev. J.I. Kendrick became the first permanent pastor in 1904.  The dedication of the “little brick church” on February 10, 1910 gave the church a permanent home.

The Growing Years, 1917 – 1931
Construction of a pastor’s home, more efficient organization of the Sunday School, and the beginning of a work among students that resulted in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry are highlights of this period.  A wood frame “tabernacle” is built to accommodate a larger congregation.

The Wells Years, 1932 – 1946
J.C. Wells led the church to begin a radio ministry in 1935 and to start the first mission church in 1939.  In 1940 the property where the sanctuary currently sits was purchased, and in 1943 Brother Wells personally secured the present BCM property on Johnston St.

 The Holmes Years, 1946 – 1957
Dr. R.L. Holmes brought to completion the vision of a new place of worship, and on February 13, 1949 a record 473 people marched down Lee Avenue to the building that would serve the church for 50 years.

The Sanders Years, 1959 – 2006
Evangelistic commitment and aggressive expansion of facilities under Perry Sanders characterize this period.  Outreach is enhanced through a television ministry and a strong music ministry led for 38 years by Luther Burney.  A prayer ministry, Christian school and other ministries extend the church’s witness in Acadiana. 

The Horn Years, 2005 – present
A “Forward Vision” in November 2004 challenged the church to be “creative and courageous in implementing more significant changes in order to regain our momentum in Bible Study attendance, growth and outreach.”  During the next year Dr. Steve Horn was called as pastor.  In the fall of 2006 Dr. Horn unveiled Vision71:, based on Psalm 71:14 – 19, as a long range plan for the church to take “the same gospel… to the next generation…until all the nations know…all for God’s glory.”