Church History 1940-1972

1940-1964 - Reverend H.G. Adams, Reverend Haggerty and Reverend Daniels served as pastors of First Baptist. These were very prosperous years financially for the church and the membership grew tremendously.

1964-1972 - Reverend Hezekiah Lewis served as pastor of First Baptist Church. Shortly after Pastor Lewis was called to First Baptist, the freeway system bought most of the property on Elder Street, and the church moved to its present location at 2200 Huntington Drive. The inside and outside of the building was designed by Pastor Lewis and under his leadership, the building was remodeled. Through Reverend Lewis' interest in the history of First Baptist and his wish to have the church incoporate, he checked the County Hall of Records and found out that First Baptist was started and incorporated on May 13, 1884, with the names of five deacons and five trustees. Reverend Lewis obtained a copy of the transcript for the church records. Pastor Lewis remained with the church for eight years until he moved to another ministry.