our history
Our history is our heritage from the past,
just as who we are today is our legacy to the future.
The eleven founding members of Seattle First Baptist Church signed the Declaration of Faith on December 28, 1869, establishing the fourth official church in Seattle ‘s history.
At that time, the closest Baptist church was in Puyallup. The initial members subscribed to the New Hampshire Covenant, committing themselves to the advancement of the church, support for relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
The newly formed congregation met in the home of one of the founders until the first church building, located at Fourth Avenue and Cherry Street, was completed in 1872 (at a cost of approximately $2,500). In 1889 the church built a second building on the original site to accommodate its growing membership.
The first full time pastor arrived in 1871. He was, like all his successors at Seattle First Baptist, a highly qualified clergy person in both education and experience. In its first 150 years, the church was served by 22 “senior ministers,” as well as by several “associates.” In 2023, the congregation voted to adopt a less hierarchical “co-pastor” staffing model.
The church’s current sanctuary building at Harvard and Seneca was completed in 1912.
In 1980, the building was recognized by the City of Seattle for its historical significance as a Seattle landmark. The sanctuary has undergone two major renovations, one in 1956 and one in 1990. An additional renovation, to make the sanctuary more physically accessible, was completed in 2024.
From its founding, Seattle First Baptist has engaged with and served the community, in both the surrounding neighborhood and beyond.
In 1929, Seattle First Baptist bought the former Minor Hospital on the corner of Harvard Avenue and Spring Street and converted the building to accommodate the church’s expanding education program. Later, the church purchased the former doctors’ residence between the sanctuary building and the new Education Hall and used it as Kindergarten Hall until the 1960s, when it was replaced by the current structure that includes offices, meeting spaces, music facilities, and a gym.
At Seattle First Baptist, we face the future with a firm commitment to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” Consistent with the commitment of our founders, we pledge ourselves to carry out our key ministries and to live out our core values—with each other and within the global community.
Learn more about the history of Seattle First Baptist Church
Contact the church office at 206-325-6051 for a copy of Welcome Home: A 150 Year History of Seattle First Baptist Church.