In 1858, twelve men and women founded what is now First Baptist Church Denton. The city of Denton was just a year old. The church was first known as Union Baptist Church. It wasn’t until 1880 that it was renamed First Baptist Church Denton. Rev. H.S. Holdman was the first pastor. In 1873 the church acquired a piece of property on the corner of Hickory and Cedar and constructed its first building. The lumber of the church was hauled from Dallas on ox wagons. Beer kegs were borrowed from the saloons and planks laid upon them for seats. This church housed the first baptistery ever installed in Denton.

In 1897, the church membership had increased so much that a new building was needed. The new building was erected during J.B. Cole’s pastorate. The new building served the church for twenty years. This new building faced west Hickory and housed 400 people. Sadly, in 1917 the church building burned to the ground.

A lot was purchased on West Oak Street for the new building. The first worship service was held September 1918. Building of the church during the darkest period of World War I is to the everlasting credit of Pastor F.M. Watkins.

The property for the church’s current location was purchased in 1961 and the first worship service held on December 10, 1967. Interestingly, the three longest pastorates have been the last three: Dr. L.L. Armstrong, 1955-1984; Dr. Wayne Blankenship, 1984-1996; and Dr. Jeff Williams, 1997-present.

In 150 years, FBCD has been instrumental in seven local church starts, and multiple national and international mission projects. This strong commitment to missions, as well as a varied local ministry emphasis to international students and inmates at the Denton County jail, continue to make a difference in Denton County.