Our History

First Baptist Church, Newport News began as Newport News Baptist Church in 1881. On June 14, 1883, the church organized with 12 members and with Rev. L.R. Milbourne as pastor. Their first place of worship was Union Chapel, used by several Christian denominations.

In 1888, the Rev. Isaac Gates gave five lots at the corner of 29th Street and Washington Avenue to the church, stipulating that the Baptists had to erect a structure comparing favorably with any other religious structure in town. Subsequently, they erected a brick building on the site and dedicated it on November 23, 1890.

By 1901, the priority was the building of a new and larger church building. The location was moved to the middle of the block on 29th Street.

The first service in the beautiful new building was held December 20, 1903, but it was gutted by fire January 27, 1906. Within fifteen months, the church was rebuilt, using the same design and types of materials and on May 12, 1907, services were resumed.

In 1930, a spacious, fireproof three-story education building was added.

After World War II, First Baptist flourished, setting records in enrollment, attendance and mission giving. First Baptist also began what would become Orcutt, Ivy Memorial, Calvary, Hilton, and Riverside Churches. The church and city grew together until the mid fifties when people and businesses began moving to the suburbs.