Nestled in the heart of Peoria, Illinois, First Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith and community for generations. Over the past century, this historic institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and social landscape of the city, fostering a vibrant and inclusive congregation.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Established in 1836, First Baptist Church Peoria traces its roots to the early pioneers who settled in the Illinois River Valley. Driven by a shared belief in Christ, a small group of believers gathered for worship in a log cabin on the banks of the Peoria Lake. As the community grew, so did the need for a larger and more permanent place of worship. In 1873, the congregation erected a grand Victorian-style sanctuary, which has served as the focal point of the church to this day.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, First Baptist Church Peoria became a center of religious and social activism. The church hosted abolitionist meetings during the Civil War era, established a mission school for African American children, and provided shelter and support to immigrants and refugees arriving in Peoria. The congregation’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality has been a defining characteristic throughout its history.
A Vibrant and Inclusive Congregation
Today, First Baptist Church Peoria is a thriving and diverse congregation of over 1,200 members. The church offers a wide range of worship services, from traditional to contemporary, as well as a variety of ministries and programs for all ages.
Music plays a central role in the worship experience at First Baptist Church Peoria. The church has a renowned choir and orchestra, which perform regularly at services and special events. The church also hosts a variety of music groups, including a handbell choir, a gospel choir, and a praise band.
Education is another core component of the church’s mission. First Baptist Church Peoria offers a comprehensive Sunday school program for children and adults, as well as a variety of Bible study groups and classes. The church also operates a preschool and kindergarten, providing a nurturing and Christ-centered environment for young learners.
A Cornerstone of the Community
First Baptist Church Peoria is more than just a place of worship; it is a vital part of the Peoria community. The church hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including a summer festival, a fall harvest festival, and a Christmas bazaar. The church also provides support to local charities and non-profit organizations, including the Peoria Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and the Peoria Public Library.
The church’s commitment to community service extends beyond Peoria’s borders. First Baptist Church Peoria supports a variety of mission projects around the world, including providing clean water to rural villages in Africa and supporting schools and orphanages in Latin America.
A Legacy of Leadership
First Baptist Church Peoria has been blessed with a long line of dedicated pastors who have led the congregation with vision and compassion. Rev. Dr. John Edwards, who served as pastor from 2002 to 2021, was a dynamic and inspiring leader who guided the church through a period of growth and renewal. Under Rev. Dr. Edwards’ leadership, the church expanded its ministries, strengthened its community partnerships, and played a leading role in the city’s revitalization efforts.
In 2022, Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown became the first female pastor of First Baptist Church Peoria. A gifted preacher and compassionate pastor, Rev. Dr. Brown has brought fresh energy and a renewed focus on social justice to the congregation. Under her leadership, the church is poised to continue its legacy of faith, service, and community engagement in the years to come.
A Bright Future
First Baptist Church Peoria stands on the threshold of an exciting future. The congregation is growing, the ministries are thriving, and the church’s commitment to the community is stronger than ever. As the church looks forward, its members are confident that the best is yet to come.
Here are some of the key areas where First Baptist Church Peoria is positioned for growth and impact in the years ahead:
- Increased outreach to the community. The church plans to expand its community service programs and build stronger partnerships with local organizations.
- Enhanced spiritual formation. The church will continue to invest in its educational programs and provide opportunities for members to grow in their faith.
- Strengthened youth and young adult ministry. The church will focus on reaching out to youth and young adults and providing them with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and deepen their faith.
- Continued global mission involvement. The church will continue to support its mission partners around the world and explore new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
First Baptist Church Peoria is a vibrant and growing congregation with a rich history and a bright future. As the church enters its second century, its members are excited to see what God has in store for them. With a deep commitment to faith, service, and community, First Baptist Church Peoria is poised to continue to play a leading role in the Peoria community for generations to come.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1836 |
| Members | 1,200+ |
| Worship Services | Traditional, contemporary, and blended |
| Ministries | Youth group, children’s ministry, adult small groups, music programs, community service programs |
| Mission Partners | Local, national, and international |
| Pastor | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| Rev. John Mason Peck | 1836-1838 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1838-1840 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1840-1844 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1844-1846 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1846-1851 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1851-1854 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1854-1856 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1856-1858 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1858-1861 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1861-1864 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1864-1866 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1866-1868 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1868-1871 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1871-1874 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1874-1876 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1876-1878 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1878-1881 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1881-1884 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1884-1886 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1886-1888 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1888-1891 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1891-1894 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1894-1896 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1896-1898 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1898-1901 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1901-1904 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1904-1906 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1906-1908 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1908-1911 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1911-1914 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1914-1916 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1916-1918 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1918-1921 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1921-1924 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1924-1926 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1926-1928 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1928-1931 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1931-1934 |
| Rev. John M. Peck | 1934-1936 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 1936-1938 |
| Rev. George C. Conn | 1938-1941 |
| Rev. Edward Tanner | 19 |