OUR UNIQUE STORY

Established in 1944, First Baptist Church of San Carlos has faithfully served God and the local community for nearly seventy years at the corner of Walnut and Olive. Throughout its history, countless traditions of worship and service have taken place within its walls—most importantly, the faithful proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord.

In 1944, under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Whitcomb, a group of believers from First Baptist Church of Burlingame stepped out in faith to begin a children’s Sunday School in San Carlos. With the help of students from Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, this small ministry soon grew into full worship services. In 1946, charter membership was established, and First Baptist Church of San Carlos formally began its humble yet hopeful journey.

In 1948, the church purchased four lots at Walnut and Olive, where the three current buildings were eventually constructed. Services were initially held in the social hall until the sanctuary was completed in 1957.

Through the faithful leadership of many godly men and women, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, First Baptist Church of San Carlos became a place of redemption, restoration, and rejoicing within the community. The mission of First Baptist Church of San Carlos has been to help people reach up to God, grow within their hearts, and reach out to the community.

After many years of serving in youth ministry, Pastor Dave Johnson and his family felt called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people of all ages. In the fall of 2009, a small group began meeting on Sunday evenings in a local living room for worship, study, and prayer. During that season, God clearly affirmed their calling to plant a new church in the San Mateo area.

In October 2010, Hope Church of San Mateo began meeting at Sunnybrae Elementary School, where it gathered through the fall of 2015. By God’s grace, in just five short years, Hope Church ministered faithfully to its community—serving the people of San Mateo, providing relief to those affected by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, and sending missionaries to South Sudan. Hope Church existed to proclaim the gospel with hearts of love and lives of service.

In November 2015, after much prayer and discernment, and through a work that can only be attributed to the Holy Spirit, these two congregations became one body for the glory of the Lord. Together, Hope Church of San Mateo and First Baptist Church of San Carlos united to share the good news of Jesus Christ throughout 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