The community of faith known as Decatur First Baptist Church was born on September 14, 1843.  A group of people who had recently relocated to Decatur from Springfield met in the living room of D.L. Allen to begin a new journey in faith together.  At 11:00 a.m. that morning, Elder H.W. Dodge opened the worship experiece with prayer and the rest, as they say, is history.  The small group of 12 adults that met that day decided to name their group The Decatur First Baptist Church.

Since the first prayer at that first worship experience, Decatur FBC has shone brightly through ministry in the community and mission throughout the world.  FBC has physically occupied four buildings in its history.  There have been 31 pastors, 7 music ministers and 10 youth/education ministers to shepherd this congregation.  First Baptist Church has planted several churches in the community, has partnered with ministries and agencies to minister to those in need, has supported mission effort throughout the world, and has sought to make a difference wherever there is need.

At this piviotal juncture in our history, First Baptist Church is getting back to the basics.  We are striving to become an authentic community of faith based on grace, love, and acceptence.  We are learning that we grow deeper in our relationship with God as we experience personal and corporate discipleship.  We are discovering that the best way we can love and serve Jesus is by loving and serving others.  

COME JOIN US AS WE DISCOVER GRACE TOGETHER!

First Baptist Church is a part of the family of American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and the Great Rivers Region.