Our History

First Baptist Church of Ferguson

333 North Florissant Road
Ferguson, Missouri 63135

314-521-1515

God brought 19 people together on August 10, 1942. Meeting in the home of Mrs. Hagerman at 404 Harrison St., they discussed and prayed about the possibility of organizing a Baptist Church in Ferguson. The spark of vision and faith in their hearts was kindled into a burning flame when on September 3, the same year, Rev. J. W. McAtee led this band of believers in the formation and organization of a local church. Thirty-two charter members were joined in fellowship during the early weeks of the church's existence.

Rev. V. H. Bonner was called as pastor and led the church through the difficult years of beginning. Those early services were held in Bindbeutel Hall. Soon the congregation purchased a store building at South Florissant and Patricia, remodeled it, and began worshipping there in September of 1944, the membership now having reached 97.

It was the prayerful decision of the church to call Rev. R. Frank Branson as pastor on December 2, 1945. The church continued to grow under his leadership. Property at 333 N. Florissant Road (our present location) was secured in January 1950 for $15,000. 1950 through 1952 were significant years of building.

Plans for a new building were approved in July 1950, actual construction was begun in the summer of 1951, and the congregation moved into a new church home on July 20, 1952. The new building was dedicated the first Sunday in September, 1952, in a Tenth Anniversary celebration.

The church began a mission in Burke City, MO, just north of Ferguson, in May of 1956. This mission is now the Park Baptist Church located on Hanley Road.

In November of 1958. Frank Denton became pastor and in 1959, ground was broken for the third educational building. During this time the Lord continued to bless Ferguson with new members and the church expanded to holding two worship services on Sunday mornings to accommodate the rapid growth.

In February of 1963, the church sponsored a mission in Ankeny, Iowa, the Berea Baptist Chapel, which over time grew into the East Ankeny Baptist Church.

Dr. Jim Smith became the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Ferguson on September 15, 1963. Under his leadership the church and Sunday School had an outstanding growth record. Dr. Smith resigned January 15, 1967 to become Executive Secretary of the Illinois Baptist State Association.

Charles Becton became our pastor on May 7, 1967. A year later the church began a building program that resulted in the construction of a new sanctuary in 1970.

Dr. Bob Werner became the pastor of our church on September 7, 1969. He came to us from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and prior to that he was pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri and Southtown Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

One of the high points in Dr. Werner's ministry with us has been the development of the weekly television program "Think About Tomorrow". Since then FBCF has purchased our own television truck and trained crews of our own people to produce an award winning religious program. More importantly, this ministry continues to touch lives for Christ resulting in many decisions.

A new educational building, our fourth major building project, was dedicated on July 25, 1982.
Rev. C. Dennis Newkirk was called as our pastor on April 21, 1985.

A Puppet Ministry for youth started under the direction of John and Ginny Bell, experienced leaders in puppetry. This ministry continues to reach out to children and adults alike, bringing the love of God into churches, hospitals, nursing homes, businesses, parks, and even around the world. The Puppet Team has ministered across the US, in Jamaica, Belarus, and Mexico.

On December 17, 1989 the church called Rev. H. Fred Fishel as pastor.

FBCF extends the scope of ministry by partnering with sister churches in the U.S. and around the world. Mission teams assist these churches in Youth and Children camps. A Church Building Team literally builds churches across the U.S. each summer.

Reaching out to our community continues with the addition of many minstries including Precepts, MotherWise, and AWANA.

On July 30, 2000 Jim Carter was called as pastor and he accepted the call August 6, 2000. The church continued to expand and develop ministries under his leadership. Dr. Carter resigned to take a position with the Missouri Baptist Convention in October of 2005.

Now, FBC Ferguson finds herself once again in a period of transition and adjustment. In His divine wisdom, God brought Rev. Stoney Shaw to serve as Transitional Pastor on October 23, 2005. On August 5, 2007, the church called Rev. Shaw to be the permanent, Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, the church is exploring God’s vision for the future of this congregation, as we minister to our Jerusalem (Ferguson), Judea (St. Louis), Samaria (Missouri) and the ends of the earth.

The history of FBC Ferguson is filled with the unmistakable leadership and presence of the Holy Spirit of God. The future is exciting and bright, as that same Holy Spirit shines the light of truth on our path.