History:

The church was organized on January 8, 1896 with 17 charter members.  The first Sunday School was organized January 19, 1896.  The first revival was held on May, 1896 adding 8 new members.  The first property purchased was in 1896, (4 lots at North A & North 1st Street), and the first building used was in the fall of 1896.  The women of the church made a large overhead tent which was used during the summer for worship. A dedication service was held with the building filled to capacity.

From February 10, 1918 until February 10, 1924, there were no church minutes or records kept because of World War I and the Depression.  With economic conditions being as they were, the church voted to combine with other churches for joint worship services, because each denomination alone could not support a pastor.  This community church effort met at First Baptist.

After nearly 10 years, many new families had moved to La Porte and employment was available.  The Baptist members now felt strong enough to support their own church.  On December 11, 1934, the church decided to withdraw from the joint services.  Plans for a full time pastor were started, and in October, 1936, the first full-time pastor came.

In February, 1943, the church purchased four lots at the corner of South Broadway and West C Street for future use.  A storm in July, 1943, blew the church building off its foundation and the building had to be moved to the new location.  Renovation was completed in December, 1943, just in time for Christmas.  In February, 1947, five adjoining lots were purchased and a new sanctuary was built and dedicated on November, 1950.  In 1958, the church voted to use the sanctuary to convert it into two stories of educational space, and to add a new sanctuary on the South Broadway & West C Street site.  The sanctuary was severely damaged by hurricane "Alicia" in 1983, along with some damage to the educational building.  The sanctuary was completely renovated and the educational building repaired, without missing one service.