Here stands the First Philippine Baptist Church a testament to faith and community. Before the 1980s no Filipino evangelical church existed in Houston. But a spiritual hunger stirred within a few Filipino couples. These couples belonged to Rice Temple Baptist Church. They started meeting for Bible study and prayers. Their fellowship grew and they felt a deep call to share their faith. They wanted to reach out to the unchurched Filipinos in Southwest Houston.
Rice Temple Baptist Church supported their intent. It commissioned them as a mission arm to reach Filipinos. On March 24 1987 over 30 members took a bold step. They formed a group with believers from other churches. There were 47 members on that momentous day. Braeburn Valley Baptist Church offered them space. Reverend Tomas Calisterio became their pastor.
By January 1988 the church no longer needed financial support. Support had come from the Union Baptist Association and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. On November 20 1988 the First Philippine Baptist Church was officially born.
The church sought new leadership. Pastor Tomas Calisterio resigned on July 1 1989. He recommended Reverend Denmark Suison as his successor. The Suison family arrived from the Philippines on September 26 1989. The priority was finding a permanent building. The church acquired a facility at 8809 Bissonnet St. The Baptist General Convention of Texas helped them. Deer Park Baptist Church and Wood Forest Baptist Church also supported them. Each chartered member gave a personal guarantee. The first service was held on April 4 1990.
The First Philippine Baptist Church experienced growing pains. But it grew stronger in membership and mission. Its ministry expanded in worship study prayer and outreach. On December 13 1994 Reverend Ernest Howard Dagohoy became the Associate/Youth Pastor. His wife Cecile joined him. After almost eight years Pastor Denmark Suison resigned. He became a church planter in the San Francisco area. Pastor Ernest Dagohoy took on the leadership role.
The First Philippine Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. Its existence reflects God’s love faithfulness and provision. Today the church is located at 15002 Hillcroft Ave in Missouri City. You are welcome to join the in-person worship service at 10 AM. Online worship service is also available on Sundays at 10 AM. The First Philippine Baptist Church continues to be a Christian Filipino-American community in Houston.