Our History
The city of Pharr was founded in 1909 by John C. Kelly, who named it after Henry Newton Pharr. Just four years later, in 1913, our church was established as the city's first congregation. The founders themselves, Kelly and Pharr, through their Pharr Townsite Company, contributed land where The First Baptist Church of Pharr would be built.
Under the leadership of Pastor A. J. Seale and with only seven founding members, the church began meeting in a school building. In 1916, the first sanctuary was built on the donated land, marking the beginning of a history of faith, service, and growth.
Over the years, the congregation actively participated in the founding of two local Hispanic churches and expanded its facilities to continue serving the community. In 1994, a new sanctuary was dedicated on Ridge Road, a symbol of God's faithfulness.
More than a century later, we continue to proclaim the same gospel that inspired our founders: Christ lived, died, and rose again to save all kinds of sinners, for the glory of God.