First Latin American Baptist Church

Whispers of faith echo through generations at the First Latin American Baptist Church. Here, on Scotten Avenue, stands a testament to the enduring spirit of Detroit’s Latino community. The First Latin American Baptist Church has been more than just a place of worship since 1930. It has been a beacon of hope and a center of community life in Southwest Detroit. Originally located at the corner of Fort Street and Dragoon, the church served its community faithfully for over 50 years in a building constructed in the early 1900s. The church’s history began much earlier, in 1924, with the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Esquivel. Recognizing the need for a Baptist presence within the growing Mexican community, they, along with a dedicated group of believers, began meeting in homes. Their initial efforts, supported by Woodward Avenue Baptist Church and Dr. H.C. Gliess, led to the use of a temple at 25th and Magnolia. Despite facing setbacks, the mission persevered, moving to various locations before finally establishing itself back at the 25th Street temple in 1927. In 1930, the mission officially became the First Mexican Baptist Church of Detroit. As the congregation grew, a new home was needed. The church purchased the Immanuel Baptist Church building on W. Fort Street in 1967. This marked a new chapter in the church’s history. The church broadened its embrace to include all Hispanic communities, becoming the First Latin American Baptist Church. The church continued to thrive at this location for decades, becoming an integral part of the neighborhood’s fabric. However, progress sometimes necessitates change. With the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the church’s W. Fort Street location was purchased by MDOT for demolition in 2017. The First Latin American Baptist Church faced another transition. But just as in its early days, the spirit of the church remained strong. The congregation found a new home on Scotten Avenue, continuing its legacy of faith and service in the heart of Southwest Detroit. The First Latin American Baptist Church has seen many pastors guide its flock over the years, from Rev. W.G. Birch in 1926 to Pastor Kevin Casillas, who leads the congregation today. Through it all, the church has remained a vibrant center of community, offering not only spiritual guidance but also outreach programs that address the needs of its diverse congregation and neighborhood.