THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAWTHORNE
was constituted into an independant body of believers on April 16, 1983. The original name was Pleasant Grove Church. At that time there were only 22 members. The church records fail to indicate the location of the original building which was built in 1859.
On April 18, 1891, the old church building was sold to W.E. Church, being the highest bidder. In June, 1891, Brother S.L. Hawthorne was added to the building committee to assist in selecting seats for the new church.
Novemberr 7, 1891, preaching was held for the first time in the new church (pictured right). December 11, 1891, the name of the church was changed from Pleasant Grove to FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAWTHORNE.
In 1954, Rev. Charles T. Smith was pastor during the construction of the two-story educational building in the rear of the sanctuary.
September 10, 1961, ground was broken for the second educational unit of the Church Plant. Rev. Richard Barber was pastor then.
In 1978, a new pastorium was constructed. The Fellowship Hall and the Pastorium were completed debt-free.
In the year 1981, the upstairs classrooms were completed.
In 1983, a commitee was formed to update the By-Laws of the Church to meet current needs.
In 1985, a complete renovation of the Sanctuary was begun. This included major repairs to room structure support, a new roof, new heating system and lighting. Redecorating of the Sanctuary was completed.
In 1986, a Long Range Planning Committee was elected. In March, 1988, this committee presented to the Church a motion that a new Sanctuary Building Committee be elected. This committee would function in securing plans for a new Sanctuary, advertise and promote our building fund. This committee would function until no longer needed.
June 11, 1989, ground was broken for the new Church. On February 18, 1990, Dedication Service was held. On January 21, 1991, preaching was held for the first time in the new Church by Robert Carter. The construction of the building is one-story brick (picturesd below).
In 2008, we acquired the Old American Legion Bulding next door after building a New American Legion Building on property on SR 20 that was owned by the Church.
On January 4, 2009, the Church voted on a new set of Constitution and By-Laws for the Church to meet current needs.
We have had a total of 31 Pastors from 1871 to present.
TOGETHER WE SERVE.