HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
(Survey of Space Development)
Fair Oaks, California

The first recorded business meeting of the First Baptist Church was held on March 14, 1953. A small building on Fair Oaks Boulevard was the first meeting place.  The First Baptist Church of Orangevale sponsored the group as a mission. In October of 1953, a two-acre portion of land was purchased at 4401 San Juan Avenue for $3,000. At the organizational meeting there were twenty-two members who signed the pledge as charter members.  Rev. Gordon Robinson, a student at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary was the first Pastor.

 Groundbreaking for the first building was held in September of 1954 and was in use by early 1955. Church membership had grown to 50 and the monthly budget increased to $316. In 1958, building plans were made and the new auditorium with seating capacity of 300 was dedicated in 1963.  Property at the northwest corner consisting of one acre with a house was purchased for $14,530. A new kitchen and fellowship hall was completed and dedicated in 1969.

 In 1973,a parking lot was constructed and landscaping completed. Two educational buildings for preschool and children were built. Renovation was also completed on the Youth building to accommodate the expanded church offices in 1976.  The property at 7260 Sumter Avenue was purchased and a Singles Ministry began in June, 1976 and an additional acre was purchased for additional parking in 1977.

 In 1978, dual Bible Study began with an enrollment of 1162. Two morning worship services also began, and a modular building was erected and dedicated to Adult Bible Study in 1981.

 The Worship Center, seating 750 was completed and dedicated in September of 1986. The following year renovation work was completed on the former auditorium converting it to educational space.  During 1990 the side wings of the present auditorium were finished. One wing of rooms to be used for meetings and classes, the other wing was offices and conference room.

 In 1996 our present Pastor Dr. J.T. Reed came to serve as Senior Pastor.  Under his leadership a total renovation of all buildings and the addition of increased parking has taken place.