Our roots reach back to the very dawn of our city. Established on April 21, 1855, when Kansas City was a fledgling village of fewer than 500 people, First Baptist is the city’s longest-standing Protestant congregation. We have been a steady presence through every era of Kansas City’s history, founded by the same pioneers who mapped its streets and led its government.

Our founder, Dr. Johnston Lykins, was an ordained minister, physician, and the first duly-elected mayor of Kansas City. Alongside his wife, Mattie, and his brother-in-law John Calvin McCoy (the "Father of Kansas City"), Lykins established a church that bridged the gap between faith and public service. This founding spirit of "Jesus & Justice" remains our heartbeat today.

From our first humble meetings at 5th and Wyandotte to our home in the Red Bridge community, we have remained a people of courage. Our seven founding families were early advocates for the Union and "soul liberty," paving the way for the inclusive, intercultural community we are today.

We honor this rich heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for the future. We believe God has uniquely reshaped our congregation for ministry in the 21st century - we are truly the right church in the right place at the right time.