Founded in 1887 the First Baptist Church of Hammond stands before you. Its history is rich and complex a tapestry woven with threads of faith growth and controversy. Allen Hill a man from Jennings County Indiana planted the seed. The first service wasn’t held in a grand building but in the humble Morton House Hotel.
The congregation quickly outgrew its initial space. They moved to the Hohman Opera House then built their own structure in 1889 thanks to a generous land donation from Hammond’s first mayor Marcus Towle a church member. The church continued to expand and evolve. By the 1970s under the leadership of Jack Hyles it became a megachurch drawing thousands from Chicago and northern Indiana. Its Sunday school boasted the highest attendance in the world. Imagine the energy the sheer scale of those services. A fleet of over 200 buses ferried worshippers to the building. Carnival-like entertainment added to the atmosphere.
But the First Baptist Church of Hammond’s story isn’t only one of growth and success. The church has faced serious accusations and legal battles concerning sexual abuse spanning decades. The 1993 Preying from the Pulpit expose and the 2013 conviction of former pastor Jack Schaap for the sexual abuse of a minor are just two stark examples. These events cast a long shadow. They raise critical questions about accountability and the protection of vulnerable members. These are difficult aspects of the church’s past. They can’t be ignored.
In 2013 John Wilkerson a Hyles-Anderson College alumnus became the senior pastor. He took on the leadership of a congregation grappling with a painful past and a complex legacy. Today the First Baptist Church of Hammond remains a significant presence. It continues its outreach ministries including Hyles-Anderson College two K-12 schools and numerous community programs.
This building stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that even the largest and most influential organizations can face. Reflect on the profound complexities of this institution’s past and present. Let its story serve as a catalyst for conversation and reflection. The First Baptist Church of Hammond is more than just a building. It is a living breathing testament to both faith and the struggles of humanity.