Our History

First Baptist Church was founded on November 12, 1959.

November 12, 2018 marked the 59th year of First Baptist Church of Lockport. Back in the 50's Marquette Manor Baptist Church of Chicago, (now of Downers Grove) came out to Dellwood Park every year to have their annual picnic and saw there was no Baptist church in Lockport.

As a mission project, they bought the house at 1100 Highland Ave at the corner of McGregor St off Thornton Street. Through the years many souls have been led to the Lord through this mission project, and now First Baptist Church support missionaries around the world. Ground was broken on the Thornton St building in 1965 and expanded to house the class room, gymnasium and offices in 1986.

First Baptist Church’s first pastor was Rev. Chris Christopolis who got the work of the church under way. While J.O. Purcell was going to Moody Bible Institute, he was the pulpit supply in those days when one was needed. Rev. Francis Tarrant was our second pastor, when he retired the church called Rev. James Frisby. Evangelist Frank Buckley in 1982 made First Baptist Church his home church until he was called home to glory in 2002. Rev. Gil Palmer was hired on in 1983 as the Youth Pastor and in 1993 promoted to be Senior Pastor. The first three deacons were Chairman Mike Feryance, (deceased) Wayne Murrie (deceased) and Gene Becraft (deceased).

Our Pastoral Staff

Pastor Gil Palmer

Pastor Gil was born May 14, 1955.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 18 and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1971.

Pastor trusted Christ as his personal Savior on February 12, 1972. He grew up in Joliet, IL and graduated from Joliet West High School in 1973.

He graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY in 1975 then transferred to Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN and graduated in 1979. He took a youth pastor position at Kings Row Baptist Church in Alvin, TX right after graduation and was there until 1985.

Pastor married Karen Rose (Freer) on June 27, 1980. They have 3 children: Joshua, born 1982, who is now married to Sarah (Bailey) who gave them 5 grandchildren; Noah, Alyssa, Ashley, Aimee, and Anna. Jeremy, born in 1984, who is now with the Lord; and Joy, born in 1985 who is a beautician.

Pastor Gil first came to First Baptist church on August 1st, 1986 as a youth pastor. In 1991 he became the interim pastor. Early in 1993 he accepted the position as senior pastor.