Faith in God brought the founders of First Baptist Church to Barstow during uncertain times of World War II and it was that same time abiding in faith that brought them together to establish the town's first Southern Baptist Church
During the early days of the church, the twenty-one charter members met in such locations as the old Scout Hall on Williams Street, and the basement of the former high school where the El Rancho Motel now stands.
In the 51 year history of First Baptist Church Barstow, each of the twelve pastors have left their mark on the congregation , physically and spiritually; Rev. John L. Alexander was the first pastor, baptizing new members in the irrigation tank on Santa Fe Drive.
In the summer of 1948, property was purchased on Buena Vista Street, and the members built a parsonage. Directly following the building of the parsonage, a quonset hut was purchased for $1,000 and that humble hut served as a worship center until a new one was constructed in 1954. Charter member Victoria Hammet remembered FBC's third pastor, Rev. T. Moudy Gillham:
"who changed us (FBC) from a group of Oakies, Arkies and Texans into a Californian Church!"
As FBC continued to grow, and its member keeping in mind they were doign God's work, seven other Southern Baptist Churches were established in the greater Barstow area.
Faith again led FBC to step forward, and in 1978, under Rev. Larry Fisher, the church decided to leave the Buena Vista property and move to its present location on Rimrock and Barstow Roads.
<P>Under the guidance of Dr. Pate, FBC began to branch out from the church and serve the community in such programs as "Christmas Alive!", "Tent Revivals", "Fall Festivals" and & "Gross Night"
When Rev. Jerry Green arrived in 1987, the music ministry began to expand immediately, performing the first Living Nativity in Barstow called "Christmas Alive!"
FBC spent a year without a pastor when Dr. Pate and his family left. A pulpit committe was formed, and the church called Rev. W. Scott Williamson to serve as the new pastor. Pastor Scott and his wife Trudy have been here for almost two years. Programs that needed revitalized are thriving once again, and under Pastor Scott's direction, out first annual Block Party will be held next summmer.