The First Baptist Church (FBC) of Toronto was established in 1826 by a group of Freedom Seekers who had arrived in Canada from the United States, where they had escaped slavery.
The church’s first service was held outside, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The FBC is the first and oldest Black institution in Toronto.
The church’s first permanent location was the northeast corner of Queen and Victoria streets. In 1955, after about 50 years in Toronto’s diverse Ward neighbourhood, the church moved to its present location, 101 Huron Street. It continues to thrive and embody its original vision – a gathering place built by and for the community.