Early History
of
First Baptist Church

At the request of a few Baptist minded people of Genoa, The First Baptist Church of Sycamore and the South Baptist Church of Belvidere cooperated in establishing a Baptist Church in Genoa. After a survey of the community the first services were held in a local restaurant building in the fall of 1954.

 

Rev. Rex Talmage of Belvidere and Rev. Frank Carter of Sycamore conducted the first Sunday school and worship services with about fifteen present.

After a few weeks it was necessary to move, so for a period of time the group met in various homes. By 1955 the congregation had grown to the point of needing a larger and more adequate meeting place. The Odd Fellows Hall was rented and meetings held at that location until 1958. During this period of time the Congregation grew in numbers and in its program to include Sunday School, Worship, and Youth Program.

In 1958 several important transactions occurred. The congregation was organized and incorporated, an election was held, property was purchased, and a call was given to Rev. Frank Carter to become its full time pastor. A home was purchased at 316 N. Sycamore Street and remodeled into suitable church quarters. In 1962 the current church building was built on the site.

In 1979, Edward Hathcoat was called to be the pastor of the church. Pastor Hathcoat had a burden for the young people of America and felt the call of God to start a Christian School. In 1981, First Christian Academy was born. A new addition was built to accommodate the Christian School, the addition included a gym and classrooms.
Pastor Hathcoat and family have just celebrated their 25th year at First Baptist Church in 2004.