Core values
Agape Love
Choosing to be aware of the feelings of others; accepting one another's differences; giving people a sense of growth
Inclusiveness
Appreciating the diversity of God's Kingdom
Service
Ministering to and serving the community and world with the intention of helping people discover and experience transformation
Wisdom
Gaining insight on the right thing to do
Our History
Serving Silver Spring since 1924
On October 22, 1924 a group of 14 people met in Silver Spring, then a tiny village on the outskirts of the nation's capital consisting mostly of apple orchards and dirt paths to establish the Silver Spring Baptist Church. Services were originally held in the old Armory, which became the Silver Spring fire station.
In 1925 three lots were purchased at the corner of Wayne and Fenton for $4,393.62. A parsonage was built, followed by an auditorium. With the advent of the New Deal, Silver Spring became an urban community and the tradition of community service was firmly established. The church facilities were used as a day nursery and the church voted to give ten percent of its income to missions.
In 1947 the church changed its name to First Baptist of Silver Spring. The years following World War II brought unprecedented growth to the area. A temporary sanctuary was built followed later by a permanent sanctuary which was dedicated in 1957. Ministers of Music and Education were added to the staff to help expand the service programs.
Becoming an urban church with a growing cultural diversity called for new programs. The Child Development Center was added in 1968 and a class of religious instruction for mentally handicapped young people was formed. A continued response to community needs over the following years brought an expansion of the Food Closet, the use of a church owned property for the Shepherd's Table (a place for the homeless and others in need of basic services) and the use of church facilities by Haitian and Spanish language congregations.
In the early 2000's it became clear that the original buildings of First Baptist Church were old and falling apart. The church began a project to rebuild on the same property a brand new building to help continue the mission of First Baptist and to remain a strong and positive presence in downtown Silver Spring. That effort was led by Dr. Duncan McIntosh, who as senior pastor led the campaign to make that dream a reality.
That vision was realized in 2018, when the new building was opened for business and our first service in the new facility was held.
