Our History
The roots of Gateway Baptist Church
Founded as the Parklane Baptist Mission, Parklane Baptist Church held her first services on December 21, 1968.
God blessed Parklane with a rich heritage of evangelism and outreach in Cahokia and the surrounding towns during those early years. In the 1980s, the name was changed to First Baptist Church of Cahokia and the ministry dramatically expanded - a Christian school, Bible institute, and bus ministry were started.
In 2001, God brought David B. Carpenter to Cahokia to pastor at First Baptist. Under his leadership, the church experienced a renaissance in spirit, attendance, and outreach while honoring God and bringing people to Jesus Christ.
In 2006, First Baptist members voted to pioneer a new venture for the Lord in Shiloh...First Baptist Chapel.
A New Era Begins: First Baptist Chapel
On April 1, 2007, a new chapter in the history of this storied ministry began with 22 people meeting at the East Belleville YMCA.
This historic first service signaled the beginning of a key phase in the future of First Baptist Church: a transition of our ministry to the O'Fallon/Shiloh area.
From 2007 to 2008, the faithful members of First Baptist Chapel watched the chapel transform from a very small handful of people to a vibrant, dynamic congregation.
The Future is as Bright as the Promises of God
On August 3, 2008, the membership of First Baptist Church and Chapel voted to formally integrate the two branches into one ministry under a new name: Gateway Baptist Church of Greater St. Louis.
In May 2009, the Gateway congregation voted to begin the physical move to the O'Fallon/Shiloh area. The summer of 2009 promises to be one of great transition, as our ministry relocates and grows yet again. The next phase of a dynamic minstry that seeks to bring Jesus Christ to everyone in the St. Louis area has begun.