Our Story: A Legacy of Faith and Freedom

“A Christ-Centered, Bible-Based, Spirit-Led Church, Glorifying God through The Word, Worship, and Witness.”

1846: A Seed Planted in Courage

Before the Emancipation Proclamation, before freedom was law, a bold act of grace changed everything.

In 1846, Maria Long, a slave owner moved by conviction, gave her enslaved people something almost unheard of at the time: land. But not just any land, this land was for worship.

On a quiet patch near the Missouri River, those men and women cleared the ground with their hands and built with their hearts. They built a log cabin that would serve as both their church and their children’s schoolhouse. It was sacred soil, half designated for worship, the other for burial. Their sacrifices laid the spiritual foundation for what would become First Baptist Church of Chesterfield (FBCC).

They came on foot, by buggy, or horseback, driven by the desire to worship freely. And worship they did.

1870–1990: A Growing Church, A Growing Vision

By 1870, a second church building emerged, the beloved “little white church on the side of the road.” Officially deeded to the congregation in 1875, it marked a formal beginning and the congregation’s expanding influence. Just three years later, FBCC helped form the Berean District Association.

Between 1911 and 1975, two additional church buildings were constructed to meet the growing needs of the membership. 

Pastor Theopolis Peoples, Jr. (1967-1987) – Under the leadership of Rev. Peoples, there was significant growth, evidenced by the introduction of a second Sunday morning worship service.  During Rev. People’s tenure, there was also meaningful growth in Christian Education with the addition of Evangelism Training.  This training still exists today and has graduated hundreds of members and non-members since its inception.  The program, as it is currently designed, consists of six courses over a two-year period.     

Pastor Daryl C. Johnson (1987-1989) – During Rev. Johnson’s tenure, a mid-week Bible study was initiated and continues to this day.  Mid-week Bible study, now known as Noon Day Bible Study, is held every Wednesday at Noon.  

Then, in 1990, FBCC took a leap of faith and purchased 11 acres of land. Led by Pastor Robert F. Loggins, the congregation envisioned and completed a 35,000-square-foot, 1,200-seat worship center in 1996.

It was more than brick and mortar. It was a home where generations gathered, grew, and glorified God.

1996–2020: Ministry in Motion

With the turn of a new century came a renewed call to global and local impact. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. T.D. Stubblefield (2000–2020), FBCC flourished in size and spiritual reach:

• Established Global Reach Unity Corporation to extend our mission internationally
• Launched Forward in Faith radio ministry (KSIV 91.5 FM)
• Hired FBCC’s first Youth Pastor (Min. Michael Douglas), Assistant Pastor (Min. Christopher Rogers), and Associate Pastor (Min. Carlos Smith)
• Debuted the now-cherished Fall Festival in 2008
• Initiated numerous community partnerships, school support programs, and outreach events

From Chesterfield to Cape Town, from the Parkway School District to Puerto Rico, FBCC was, and remains, a church in motion.

2022–Present: A New Chapter with a Familiar Voice

After a two-year search, FBCC joyfully elected Rev. Christopher L. Rogers, Sr. as our 21st Senior Pastor in 2022. A servant-leader who rose through the ranks, serving faithfully as Assistant Pastor, Interim Pastor, and more, Pastor Rogers brings continuity, compassion, and clarity of vision.

Today, he shepherds with an unwavering commitment to FBCC’s spiritual foundation: The Word, Worship, and Witness.

His leadership is expanding intergenerational ministry, enriching online worship, and equipping the church to meet modern-day needs with the unchanging truth of Christ.

Missions, Outreach & Community Love

We believe the Gospel is meant to be lived outside the sanctuary walls. That’s why FBCC is deeply rooted in outreach:

• Touches of Love Delivered (T.O.L.D.) – Established in response to economic hardship in 2008
• World Changers Missions – Youth-led mission trips to Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Houston
• Adopt-a-School Program – Partnered with Kirk of the Hills to support local students
• Annual Community Awards – FBCC tithes a minimum of 10% back into the community annually
• Charles Drew Blood Drive – Life-saving partnership focused on sickle cell awareness and blood donation

And when the world paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, FBCC stepped forward with virtual worship, food assistance, and pastoral care. Our church stayed connected and strengthened through faith and technology. We also partnered with At Home Care and 100 Black Men to host a clinic on campus that provided 1,130 vaccinations.

Celebrating Legacy, Honoring God

We celebrate through fellowship and worship, rejoicing in our heritage with events like:

• Family and Friends Day
• Fall Festival
• Divine Nine Recognition (Black History Month)
• Juneteenth Concert (2023) – With the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra & In Unison Choir
• An Evening with Tony Evans (2016) – Drawing close to 1,000 worshippers for a night of preaching and praise
• Family Fest – Welcoming members back post-pandemic with joy and reconnection

Sacred Spaces: Memorials of Our Journey

• Memorial Park – Church cemetery, beautified and rededicated in 1999; application for National Historic Landmark status submitted
• Legacy Park – A playground dedicated to all those faithful servants, past and present, active and alumni, who helped to advance the spread of the Gospel 
• Legacy Garden – A butterfly pollinator garden gifted by the City of Chesterfield in honor of Pastor Emeritus Dr. T.D. Stubblefield
  

Our Legacy, Still Unfolding

From the hands of enslaved believers to the hearts of global missionaries, the story of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield is a divine tapestry, woven with sacrifice, service, and the Spirit of God.

As we continue into the next chapter, we remain a Christ-Centered, Bible-Based, Spirit-Led body of believers, anchored in truth and alive with purpose.

This is FBCC, Where Christ is First.