Since 1853
Our History
166 years of continuous service to the Lord — from the Texas frontier to Las Colinas.
First Baptist Church Las Colinas is rich in history. The story of the church reaches back into the pioneer days when, according to church accounts, the pastor preached with a six-gun lying on the altar beside his Bible. There are also records of Indian raids, storms, and a smallpox epidemic.
The church possesses its original records dating back to May 15, 1853. On that date, nine charter members went into covenant to carry out the teachings of a Missionary Baptist Church: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
From the Original Minutes
January 1854. “On motion the church took up the case of building a meeting house and appointed a building committee to superintend the building of said house.”
June 30, 1855. “Took collection for the benefit of the church and obtained $730 cents which was handed to the treasurer.”
December 1900 & January 1901. No services due to smallpox in the community.
December 3, 1939. Motion made and seconded to help with Christmas dinner for the orphans’ home. “See how many chickens we can get — six hens promised.”
November 8, 1942. Motion made and seconded to raise the pastor’s salary $2.00 more a month.
Through the Years, By the Name
- 1853 United Baptist Church of Jesus Christ
- 1857 Bear Creek Baptist Church
- 1911 Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Church
- 1960 Western Heights Missionary Baptist Church
- 1986 First Baptist Church Las Colinas
Locations & Legacy
The church was moved in 1887 from its original site in Tarrant County to Dallas County, about three miles away. In 1970, the DFW Airport Authority purchased the old church site, and the congregation acquired the property for our present church. United Baptist Church of Jesus Christ was the third Baptist church organized in Tarrant County and is currently the second oldest Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas County.
Pastors
Pastor Dale Thornton, the 161st pastor in the history of the church, served faithfully from 2001 until his passing. His son-in-law, Robert Rohlin, joined him in pastoral responsibilities in 2008 and now serves as our Senior Pastor. Upon her death in 1980, Lena Cope had been a member of this church for 66 years.