Our History

First Baptist Church of Elk Grove Village began in 1958 when a small group of believers gathered in the home of Claude and Doris Knudsen to pray, worship, and trust God together. As the church family grew, they met at Higgins School and later at Elk Grove Village Junior High School.

On November 22, 1959, the mission was formally organized as a church. That same year, property was secured for a permanent home. Under the leadership of Pastor Leroy J. Pratt, ground was broken on June 19, 1961, and the first worship service in our present building was held in February 1962. Additional educational space was added in 1967.

From the very beginning, First Baptist has been a small but faithful congregation committed to worship, prayer, discipleship, and service. Through seasons of growth and challenge, we have remained steadfast in proclaiming salvation through Jesus Christ and serving our community with love. Inspired by a message preached in 2011, we are often described as “a church that takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” By God’s grace, we continue to stand on His promises and trust His faithfulness.

Grounded in the promise of Matthew 16:18, we believe Christ is building His church. Today, we are still serving, still trusting, and still proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.