In May 1857, a group of freed men and women under the direction of Reverend Dennis Jones organized the First African Baptist Church located at Third and Pottawatomie Streets. The original church would be destroyed on the night of June 15, 1858 in the “Great Leavenworth Fire,” along with 32 other businesses.  Another place of worship would be built at 6th and Miami street.  As years went by this place of worship would become the First Colored Baptist Church, and ultimately the First Missionary Baptist Church. Between 1868 and 1874, the congregation raised funds to purchase the land at 120 N. Broadway Street. In 1874, a charter was applied for and granted, officially establishing First Missionary Baptist Church as the oldest Baptist Church in the state of Kansas. In 1880, an application for aid was submitted to the American Baptist Home Mission which was followed by a loan which was granted, allowing the purchase of the land.  In 1911, under the leadership of Reverend J.W. Hayes, construction of a new building began. The building was completed in 1915 and still stands today.  In October of 1974, Reverend Donald Sprague became Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church. He would become the longest serving Pastor in our history, completing 31 years of faithful service.

The church continued to grow, and by 1999, God blessed the congregation with a newer church, located where we are today at 800 W. 7th Street.  The void created by the sudden retirement of Rev Sprague in August of 2005 was quickly filled when Chaplain Thomas G. Cobbs, Colonel, U.S. Army became the interim Pastor.  In October 2006, Reverend Cobbs became only the second military officer to be installed as Pastor. 

For 166 years FMBC has lived through slavery, racism, segregation, bloodshed, drought, war, fire and foreclosure.  But through it all, the lord has made a way somehow!  Twenty-seven men have fought the good fight, serving as Pastor. We have been visited by members of the U.S. Congress, as well as Missouri and Kansas State Representatives. We have corresponded with Senators and Governors.  We have hosted military Generals, a future Secretary of State, a former world boxing champion, an acclaimed actor, and a former NBA World Champion. We are proud that both The Tuskegee Airman of the skies and The Buffalo Soldiers of the great plains have worshipped here with us.

Most importantly, FMBC has continued to serve and follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We continue to be, “A church where you can make a difference.”