Our Story

In the year 1903, a small band of Christians held a series of prayer meetings to seek the Lord’s blessing in planting the first Baptist church in the city of Hollywood. The earnest prayer of these believers was answered on December 4th of that year, when in the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Bynon, it was resolved: “In humble dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance, we the undersigned, a company of baptized believers, do hereby unite ourselves together as a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Thus began First Baptist Church of Hollywood. 

Over the years our congregation has worshiped in many locations: homes, lodges, halls, two tents, and three separate sanctuaries. The first sanctuary was constructed in 1907 on Las Palmas Ave. As the membership increased, more space was needed, so a second sanctuary was built alongside the first on the corner of Selma and Las Palmas Avenues. Unfortunately, both structures burned to the ground on May 3, 1935 due to embers from a neighborhood fire. One year later, in the middle of the great depression, the third, and present, sanctuary was erected. This has been the church’s home for over seventy years, and we are blessed to worship here. 

Throughout the years, our church has been committed to the same mission: to direct our best energies to the building up of our church and to the extending of the kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This mission has energized an array of ministries over the years. In 1919, our Woman’s Auxiliary worked diligently to provide supplies to post-war Europe. During the 40’s, the church’s evangelistic efforts resulted in the conversion of countless servicemen.   Our church has held a yearly Missions Conference for the last 90 years.  And today, we continue to reach Hollywood with our weekly services and events as well as  Hollywood Blvd  and Porch Ministry. 

First Baptist has been under the leadership of twenty pastors during its existence. Rev. Herman J. Powell, known for his scholarship and deep interest in missionary work, accepted the call of God and became the first pastor in 1904. Other pastors include John Snape, known for his “executive ability and powerful sermons,” Harold Proppe, remembered for his temporary leave of absence to serve as a WWII chaplain, and Richard Rigsby, a well-regarded Old Testament scholar of Talbot Seminary.
Along the line of Godly men who have led the church, Pastor Richard is grateful to continue to work of proclaiming the gospel.