First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland
(American Baptist)
Shaker Heights, Ohio
First Baptist Church (FBC) of Greater Cleveland in Shaker Heights, Ohio, was founded in 1833, and from its inception, the multiracial congregation has been an advocate for social justice and racial equality.
Courtesy First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland
Courtesy First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland
2025 Cohort
First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland
(American Baptist)
Shaker Heights, Ohio
First Baptist Church (FBC) of Greater Cleveland in Shaker Heights, Ohio, was founded in 1833, and from its inception, the multiracial congregation has been an advocate for social justice and racial equality.
FBC was the first Baptist church in the Northeast Ohio area. Charter members included John Malvin, an African American community leader. Together with FBC, he challenged Ohio’s “Black Laws” which imposed restrictions and barriers to African Americans entering the state. In 1927, First Baptist Church of Cleveland and the Cleveland Heights Baptist Church merged to form what is today known as FBC. The congregation settled at its current home in 1929. Designed by the noted architectural firm of Walker and Weeks, the Neo-Gothic style structure incorporates the 130-foot Swasey Bell Tower. The sanctuary is embellished with religious symbolism in wood, metal, and stone, and includes elaborate stained-glass windows. It houses a historic organ built by the Austin Organ Company.
FBC’s sanctuary and facilities are in use seven days a week and provide space for over 20 community partners, including a childcare center, wellness classes, recovery groups, and several musical arts organizations. The sanctuary is well known for its outstanding acoustics, making it a preferred location for ensembles, concerts, and recordings. A recent staging of Jesus Christ Superstar drew over 2,000 people to the sanctuary.
A National Fund grant of $265,000 with $265,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will help restore the failing and broken stones of the Swasey Tower.
Courtesy First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland
Stories and Media Coverage
Read more about how the National Fund for Sacred Places is helping congregations around the country rehabilitate their sacred places.
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