First Baptist Church San Carlos

Established in 1944, First Baptist Church San Carlos has been serving God and the needs of the community for nearly 70 years on the corner of Walnut and Olive. Many years of tradition and service have taken place within the walls of FBCSC, and most importantly, the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord. 

In 1944, led by Mr & Mrs Ray Whitcomb, a group of believers from First Baptist Church of Burlingame ventured into the city of San Carlos to start a children's Sunday School, which along with the help of students from the Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, eventually became full worship services. In 1946, charter membership was closed, and First Baptist Church of San Carlos began its formal, yet humble beginnings. 

The church purchased four lots on Walnut and Olive in 1948, where the three buildings that stand today were eventually constructed. Services were held in the social hall until the sanctuary was built in 1957.

Through the leadership of many Godly men and women through the years, as well as with the Power of the Holy Spirit, First Baptist Church of San Carlos has established itself a place of redemption, restoration, and rejoicing within the community of San Carlos. 

The mission of the First Baptist Church of San Carlos has been to enable people to reach up to God, into the heart, and  out to the community.

Hope Church of San Mateo

After many years of working in youth ministry, pastor Dave Johnson and his family felt burdened and called to reach people of all ages with the gospel of Jesus. 

In the fall of 2009, a small group of individuals began meeting on Sunday nights in a local living room for a time of worship, study and prayer. It was a sweet time in the church's history and one held dearly. God affirmed many things during this season and it quickly became clear that they were called to plant a brand new church in the San Mateo area. 

In October of 2010, Hope Church of San Mateo began meeting at Sunnybrae Elementary School, and continued meeting there through fall of 2015. By the grace of God, in its 5 short years of service, Hope was able to minister to its community, and serve the people of San Mateo, provide relief to those in New Jersey affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as send out missionaries to many locations around the world.  

Hope Church existed to proclaim the gospel to all from a heart of love and a life of service. 

Now, Together as One

In November 2015, through much prayer and petition, and by work that can only be attributed to the Holy Spirit, these two churches became one body, for the glory of the Lord. Together, Hope Church of San Mateo and First Baptist Church San Carlos have combined to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those on the Peninsula. 

"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants  for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:5-6