Angela Washington
Joined: 1973
Ministry: Nurses Guild

"When First Baptist was on Ogden Avenue, Sunday Morning Service would be so crowded, that if you were not there by 10:30-45, you had to stand up or sit in chairs in the isle. I miss hearing the deacons say before tithes and offering, "Every member, every time, makes the church mighty fine", and Rev. F.P. Piper would lead the tither's march."

Tony Westmoreland

"I was little when Rev. Piper was there as the pastor. I watched that church being built. I attended Mason school at the time. I remember when they had basketball games upstairs over the church and roller skating also, I was baptize when I was 9 years old...First Baptist is still one of the best, as well as beautiful churches in Chicago on the westside."
Sister Milam Pruitt
Church Historian

"I was baptized in 1952 by Rev. Cornelius Lemon as were my four older siblings.  My father joined this church in 1951.  My mother had passed away some years before.  I recall the very day and hour of my baptism.  The church was located on Morgan Street, a store front in "Jew Town".  We lived in walking distance from the church.   In those days baptisms were performed at Rev. Tilly's church where there was a pool.  Daddy told me, now my life would be forever changed.  God would  hold be responsible for being a good girl.  At first that challenged weighed heavy on my mind.  But like many small children, I soon forgot about the challenge...at least until Daddy would remind me. The older women of the church always befriended me.  I remember Sister Hope taught me on Sunday evenings in BTU.  Sister Leatha Hughes was my Sundayschool teacher and Dave Evans was my Brother's teacher.
 
I remember being in the Jr. choir at age twelve under the direction of Virginia Mason-Thompson.  Church gave me the opportunity to sing, perform drama, recite poems and lead others.  As well as being a place of worship, First Baptist has been a training ground for me.  This is a place where I could never fail and could always count on the encouragement of my elders.  Now that I am a Senior, I hope to pass on that legacy to those that follow me on this Christian journey."

    Submit Your Story 

For current members, a form will be placed at the desk in the lobby if you prefer to write it.