OUR HISTORY
First Baptist Church
of North Chicago History
First Baptist Church is often called the Church on the hill. Organized in one of its member’s home on Lowe Avenue in Waukegan in 1905, moving to an old small frame building in the midst of a cornfield in 1909 with only 13 members or nine families, in its congregation, led by Rev Giles. First Baptist is the oldest African American Bap
tist church on the North Shore, and is the mother church of five other churches in the area.
*Shiloh Baptist Church organized in 1917
*First Corinthian Baptist Church organized in 1923
*Greater Faith Baptist Church organized in 1967
*First Fellowship Baptist Church organized in 1995
*Mount Olive Baptist Church organized in 1999
First Baptist, in 117 years has had 13 pastors and 2 interim pastors, and she has sent forth many pastors to shepherd other flocks. First Baptist moved from Waukegan in 1915 to 1412 Greenfield Ave in North Chicago, IL. First Baptist joined the New Era District in about 1931. Rev E. Coles, our 7th pastor was called to First Baptist in May 1936. He was truly a builder, a visionary, an organizer and a righteous man. He served First Baptist and the Lake County area, for 29 years until his death in 1965. He was the guiding light in the formation of the North Shore Minister’s Alliance. He also chaired the clerical council for the organizing of Christian Valley Baptist Church in October 1957; our 1st grandchild. July 7, 1968 Rev L.C. Luther, our 9th pastor, led us toward the fulfillment of a long cherished dream, a beautiful sanctuary; a new home for First Baptist. On May 20, 1973, we had a grand march with the ceremonial police es**rt. Rev Luther called 2219 14th Street, this very site, “The Church on the Hill”. After 27 years of service, in 1995, Rev. Luther with some of FBC members, left to organize First Fellowship Baptist Church in Waukegan, our 4th child. In 2005, Rev. Luther returned to FBC to preach First Baptist's 100th year anniversary. (Established by GOD 1905)
Reverend Reginald Davis served as pastor from 2004-2006 before answering the call to pastor a historic African American Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. In the interim Reverend Rick Harris served as interim pastor. Reverend Brian T. Butler served as pastor for one year from 2007-2008 before returning to his home in Savannah, Georgia. Reverend Lee Zachary Maxey accepted the call to First Baptist in November of 2008. He arrived on Jan 4, 2009 with his lovely wife, Michelle, and family, Tristan, Chelsea, and Gabriel. Pastor Maxey, is our 13th pastor and has shown himself to be a “God Fearing Man”. He has placed great emphasis on Prayer, Worship and Stewardship. Pastor Maxey has proved to be a builder, a healer and a visionary. Under his pastoral leadership we have experienced many blessings from God. Pastor Maxey organized in conjunction with the New Era District the first non-denominational World Communion Sunday Service in Lake County, Illinois. (First Baptist has hosted seven of the World Communion Sunday Services). Pastor Maxey reinstituted our Mother's Board and rejuvenated our Deaconess Board. First Baptist hosted its seventh annual “Back to School Block Party” for all children returning to school. We provide children with book bags, school supplies, free haircuts, free food, health classes, and many fun activities. Also, under the leadership of Pastor Maxey we have made needed repairs to our sanctuary. Those repairs included but not limited to a new roof and resurfacing/restriping the parking lot. Pastor Maxey organized a women’s ministry, S.O.A.R. (Sisters of Adam’s Rib)in 2011. A scholarship fund for First Baptist Church college students was organized in 2014 by Reverend Ricky and Mrs. Lorraine Harris The purpose of the scholarship is to provide a monthly stipend to FBC college students who attend school out of town" or are attending college locally but are living independently. Another youth initiative was the expansion of the activities of our youth ministry. This included their participation as leaders during morning worship service every fifth Sunday. Pastor Maxey organized an Associate Ministers Class that meets every 5th Sunday to better prepare FBC associates ministers to serve the congregation and community. The ordination of three Deacons (Deacons Nelson Whitaker, Charles Bridgemon, and Raymond McQueen), and one minister, Rev. Tyrell Winfrey were done under Pastor Maxey’s leadership . Pastor Maxey has volunteered to serve on several community improvement boards. We look forward to an active future with eagerness and faith. First Baptist Church, the Church on the hill, the Church that GOD Built, after 117 years of trials, is still standing, still walking steadfastly by faith after Christ Jesus. More importantly we continue to worship our God in Spirit and in Truth. We do this by Lifting Him Up! (John 12:32)
Thank you LORD for another Year! A Religious Corporation
2219 14th Street
North Chicago, IL 60064
Office 847.473.3667
E-mail:[email protected]
Fax 847. 473.1470
