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The First Baptist Church of Hammond is a fundamentalist Independent Baptist church in Hammond, Indiana. It is the largest church in the state of Indiana and one of the largest churches in the United States. Though founded in 1887, it was under Jack Hyles' leadership from 1959-2001 that it became a megachurch, one of the first megachurches in the United States. It has a steady weekly attendance of around 20,000. It also operates Hyles-Anderson College, a non-accredited institution, and two K-12 schools, called City Baptist Schools (for children of the bus route of the church) and Hammond Baptist Schools (for children of the members of the church). Jack Schaap, Hyles' son-in-law, succeeded as pastor after Hyles' death in 2001.

The church has been involved in a few controversies during its first 50 years, including a conviction of sexual molestation by one of its deacons in 1993, and accusations of adultery and financial misconduct made by a former employee.

History

First Baptist Church was founded in November 1887 by Allen Hill of Jennings County, Indiana. Its first meeting was on 14 November 1887 with 12 members on the 28th. However, it originally met in the Morton House Hotel which stood on what is currently the 100 block of Willow Court. Allen Hill's pastorate was short lived at approximately 4 months.

By April 1888, B.P. Hewitt became the church's permanent pastor and Allen Hill went on to start several other churches. Needing more room, Hewitt moved the church's meeting place to the Hohman Opera House at the corner of State and Hohman. In 1889, the church erected its own structure for $2,358 when Marcus Towle, Hammond's first mayor and member of FBC, donated land on Sibley Street to the church.

Subsequently, on 3 January 1901 Pastor E.T. Carter proposed a new building, and the first service was held on 14 April 1901. On 27 November of that same year, Pastor Carter announced his resignation for a job at the Central Baptist Orphanage in Michigan.

In July 2006, the Church Report magazine named First Baptist number 24 on its list of the 50 most influential churches in the United States.

Activities

First Baptist Church has several outreach ministries, including Hyles Publications, Hyles-Anderson College, Fundamental Baptist Missions International, Hammond Baptist Schools, City Baptist Schools, Chicago Baptist Academy, Memory Lane Cemetery, Christian Womanhood Magazine, First Baptist Church Little League, Nursing Home Ministry, Sailor Ministry, Truck Driver's Ministry, Bus Ministry, Blind Ministry, Pathfinder Ministry (Educable Slow), Homeless Ministry, Rescue Mission, Public School Ministry, Inner City Chapel Ministry, and Deaf Ministry. The church also has several services in Spanish and some Asian languages.

First Baptist Church also hosts three national conferences. The first Pastors' School invites pastors, assistant pastors, Christian leaders, school administrators, and Christian laymen to a week of training and learning. Its Youth Conference is held in mid-July and is for the youth and teenagers of Christian churches nationally. The final conference of the year, held every October, is the Christian Womenhood Spectacular for Christian women of all ages.

The Church With a Heart

The "Old Church Downtown" became known as the "Church With a Heart" under the ministry of Dr. Jack Hyles. When he arrived at this old-fashioned Baptist church, a number of ministries were already in place, but the Lord was prompting him to reach those no one else was reaching. That vision is continued today under the leadership of the present pastor, Dr. Jack Schaap. The heart of this "Church With a Heart" is proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world. This goal is being reached through the ministries and people represented by First Baptist Church.

A Heart for God's Word

On an average Sunday, 21 preaching services are held simultaneously, with a total of 55 on any given Sunday.

In addition to preaching services, wedding ceremonies and the Lord's Supper services are performed by Pastor Schaap with the assistance of the staff and deacons. Ordination services are also held and funerals are performed for the Homegoings of loved ones. Special services are also held on Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Eve.

People are saved and baptized each week through the preaching of God's Word.

A Servant's Heart

Jesus said, But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11) From volunteers who clean the facilities weekly to the men in the Aaron and Hur Ministry who prays for the Pastor as he preaches, First Baptist Church perpetuates the heart of a servant. A valet parking team serves the senior citizens, and a host of parking lot and door greeters are given to the hospitality of the church. The Seams Like Heaven club sews everything from baptismal gowns to the Pastors' School outfits. A medical team is always on hand during church services to handle any emergency that may arise on the properties. The PA men, media team, and graphics art department faithfully operate the equipment dedicated to promoting Christ through preaching, radio, billboards, printing, direct mail, Web, and even television. The First Baptist Church Watchmen meet dozens of times throughout the week in organized prayer. The team of security guards handles traffic flow, safety issues, and a variety of needs that arise, working hand-in-hand with the local law enforcement.

Big Days

Each spring and fall the church has what it called the Spring and Fall Programs--several weeks in which the bringing of visitors, the boosting of attendance, and the salvation of souls is emphasized. Usually during each of the programs, one or two weeks are designated as "Big Days," and all the stops are pulled out to reach a noble goal--souls saved and lives changed. A theme is chosen for each program. Some of the themes have included "I'll Tell the World That I'm a Christian," "I Pledge Allegiance," "You've Got a Friend in FBC," Triumph and Tragedy," and "Increase My Vision." An annual Baby Dedication Sunday is held each year on Mother's Day.

A Heart for the Right Music

The music is geared to set the spirit of the service and prepare hearts for preaching. The church provides opportunities for all ages to participate in choirs and special groups. The church now have a full church orchestra, a large adult choir, three grand pianos, and an organ.

A Sunday School With a Heart

The church offers nursery facilities for children birth through three years of age, graded children and teen classes, and dozens of adult classes. Hundreds of dedicated nursery workers and Sunday school teachers nurture, discipline, and influence people of all ages daily as the book of Acts teaches. At First Baptist Church, for newborns through senior citizens, there are hundreds of classes.

A Heart for the Infirmed

Nearly seven days a week, Bro. Johnny Colsten visits those who are in the local area hospitals and those who are ill at home. Dr. Roy Moffitt visits those who are in hospitals outside of Lake County, Indiana, and those who need that special pastoral care during late evening or early morning hours. Miss Maxine Jeffries visits the shut-ins of the membership. She, along with the ladies of Women's Missionary Society, visits these people every month while they are bedridden or otherwise incapable of attending church on a regular basis.

A Heart for Those With Special Needs

The Pathfinder Department, under the leadership of Tom and Genevieve Atchinson, is for developmentally disabled adults; and the Sunbeam Department, under the direction of Lana Siemer, provides a Sunday school class for developmentally disabled children.

The Dear and Blind Ministries provide classes for all ages. Public services are interpreted for the deaf, and the deaf staff provides the experience, assistance, and cultural awareness for the deaf and heart-of-hearing.

A Heart for the Region

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.... (Acts 1:8) In a recept week of soul-winning emphasis, the members of First Baptist Church were responsible for seeing 24,587 souls saved. Men, women, teenagers, and children are continually being trained to lead people down the Romans Road to salvation. The Fishermen's Club, a Phoster Club, Candle of the Lord (Sunshine Ladies), Teen Soul Winning, and fifteen other 90-minute soul-winning groups meet on a weekly basis. The Asian Ministry, Servicemen's Ministry, Responsibility USA, Truck Drivers', Chapel Ministry, and Sunday Afternoon Programs for Chicago teenagers provide extensive outreach and influence throughout the Calumet and Chicagoland regions.

A Heart for the International Communities

First Baptist Church has members from countries all around the globe--including 70 nationalities!

The Spanish Department has its own Sunday School, bus ministry, and outreach programs. The Spanish Department also holds services each Sunday morning and evening, as well as each Wednesday evening.

The Inner-City Chapel Ministry takes good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many who have been overlooked by other churches throughout the area. Many of the children reached through the Inner-City Chapel Ministry are able to attend City Baptist Schools located here in Hammond.

The Asian Ministry has a chapel which holds services in Chicago, in addition to the Sunday school and junior church classes held here at the church location in Hammond. The church reaches Asian students attending colleges and universities throughout the Chicagoland area.

A Heart for the Addicted

Reformers Unanimous, using the tools of the Word of God and prayer, helps the addicted break the chains of addiction by helping them find new life in Jesus Christ. "RU" meets on Friday nights and also has a Spanish chapter. First Baptist Church also has an RU Home (formerly the Hammond City Rescue Mission).

A Heart for the Neglected

In 2002, the Nursing Home Ministry began bringing area residents, including handicapped residents, by bus to church where they get to be a part of the morning service and an afternoon program along with a meal. Every Friday the Candle of the Lord Club, a ladies' group nicknamed "The Sunshine Ladies" visit the area nursing homes. Every week hundreds of nursing home residents are reached with the Gospel.

The Lighthouse Ministry ministers to the thousands of homeless men and women of Chicago. Every Sunday workers go to Chicago before sunrise to start inviting the homeless to church from missions, streets, and hospitals. The church provides breakfast and lunch and transportation to and from church.

The Gospel League is a mission for homeless women in Chicago. Every Sunday morning workers pick up the ladies and their children for church, provide them lunch, and bring them back after the evening service.

For years, the church has also visited the jails of the Chicagoland area, reaching thousands for Christ. Currently the church has preaching services or RU programs in several different facilities every week.

A Heart for Children

Luke 18:16 says, "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Children will have a chance to be a part of clubs such as Far Above Rubies, Blue Denim and Lace, and Baptist Boys Battalion. The kids are taught the fundamentals. The children also can be a part of junior camp and Vacation Bible School and attend junior activities, and boys entering first through twelfth grades can participate in summer youth baseball leagues.

A Heart for Teenagers

First Baptist Church provides a youth program with Sunday School classes, activities, a youth choir, various singing groups, and a teenage outreach program. There are also specific clubs for preacher boys, junior high girls, and high school young ladies. The CORE program is for those looking to take their walk with God to the next level.

A Heart for Adults

There are activities-for adults from 18 years of age to senior saints, from single-adults to longtime married couples, from married with children to single parents--in which people can get involved. From the annual Mother/Daughter Banquet to the 12-team men's softball league to men's golf outings and a variety of adult banquets, there are many social events in which to participate.

The Women's Missionary Society is a ladies' group that has a general meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. They are dedicated to serving missionaries, shut-ins, and bereaved. In addition to general meetings, small group circles meet at various times throughout the month to help with care packages or any other special projects.

The church has ice cream and watermelon socials, their very own "Taste on State" with dozens of food booths, "dinner on the grounds," Friday night sings, and singles takeovers at local food establishments. The senior saints travel to out-of-the-way destinations for getaways that have included cruises and road trips to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.

A Heart for Counseling & Training

First Baptist Church offers training for all ages on Sunday evenings to equip the saints of God through the Teaching and Training time. In addition to the T 'n' T program, a wide variety of training and counseling programs are available to help meet the needs of people.

The financial counseling office and Stewardship Department are available for help. One-on-one appointments can be set up with one of the church's financial counselors or through the Stewardship Department for any type of financial need.

Crisis counseling is also available to help people deal with hurts and tragedies and the snares and baggage of life. Sound medical advice is also available through some of these counselors and through the health counseling office.

A Heart for Providing Christian Resources

Hyles Publications provides Christian resources to church and homes. Named after its founder, Dr. Jack Hyles, and based out of the First Baptist Church, books, pamphlets, CDs, and DVDs are published and produced. Christian Womanhood Publications was founded by the late Marlene Evans. Christian Womanhood was America's first newspaper designated to meet the needs of women and girls.

A Heart for Training the Next Generation - Hammond Baptist Schools

The Hammond Baptist Schools offer a K-4 through twelfth-grade. Hammond Baptist Schools also includes a curriculum for those with special needs.

A Heart for Training the Next Generation - City Baptist Schools

City Baptist Schools gives inner-city kids a chance to attend a private school focused on Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

A Heart for Training the Next Generation - Hyles-Anderson College

Dr. Jack Hyles was led by God to start the college in 1972. The college training has a three-fold emphasis of spiritual, academic, and hands-on. The students gain experience from their weekly participation in the services and ministries of the First Baptist Church of Hammond.

A Heart to Comfort in Loss

Purchased by the church in 1975, Memory Lane Memorial Park, located in Schererville, Indiana, is there for the church people at a most difficult time of life. The cemetery has a mausoleum with a funeral chapel for special services and a gazebo for graveside services. Every Memorial Day, the entire church family gathers at Memory Lane for a special Memorial Day Service. A special section at the cemetery called Pastoral Gardens is designated for church members. Construction of a brand new mausoleum is currently underway.

A Heart for Reaching the Nation

For many years, First Baptist Church has had the privilege of hosting three major conferences. Each year it hosts Pastors' School in March, Youth Conference in July, and the Christian Womanhood Spectacular in October.

A Heart for Reaching the World

The church's missions efforts are summarized by the following: supporting 216 individual missionaries; operating and supporting Fundamental Baptist Missions International (missions agency); placing and supporting missions teams on the ground in Ghana and Thailand; holding Wednesday night "Others Offerings"; participating in Faith Promise Giving. FBMI is currently working on sending missions teams to India and Belize and has a church-planting team here in the United States.

List of pastors

References

1. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 29
2. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 31
3. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 51
4. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 53
5. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 54
6. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 57
7. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 60
8. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 61
9. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 63
10. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 64
11. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 66
12. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 67
13. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 69
14. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 70
15. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 73
16. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 74
17. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 75
18. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 77
19. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 78
20. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 81
21. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 83
22. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 85
23. First Baptist Church: First Baptist Church 120th Anniversary - The Church With a Heart. Olan Mills Inc, 2007., page 89

External links

• First Baptist Church, Hammond, Indiana – Official

Criticism

• The Jack Hyles Story – by Robert Sumner
• Biblical Discernment Ministeries – Criticism of Jack Hyles

• Megachurches
• Baptist churches in Indiana
• Religious organizations established in 1887