About Us
Our History and Core Values
The First Providence Missionary Baptist Church was organized on March 14, 1962 at a meeting with Rev. J. H. Thompkin and forty-four Christian believers at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. They envisioned a church that would meet the spiritual needs of the community through a biblical foundation. Pastor Joe B. Hardwick of Praises of Zion Baptist Church of Los Angeles delivered the first message for this organizational occasion. They adopted the theme "The Church of God is Marching" taken from Acts 2:47. On August 19, 1962 The First Providence Missionary Baptist Church held their first Thanksgiving Service in their own building located at 1401 W 16th St., Long Beach, CA.
On March 4, 1964, 801 East Hill Street became the cornerstone of our fellowship. The First Providence Missionary Baptist Church is a religious corporation that is organized under the Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law. The purpose of this corporation was to establish and maintain a Missionary Baptist Church preaching and teaching the doctrine of the Baptist faith. Our church is registered and affiliated with The Western Baptist State Convention in which the FPMBC Usher Department is currently very active.
The FPMBC offers a variety of religious instruction and charitable work to the city of Long Beach and the surrounding communities. The Church Facility provides a place for anyone to come to for prayer and worship. Other Services are offered to the members and community such as food and clothing needs, funeral services, weddings, community-based youth programs, and referrals to specific professional services as needed.
The Legacy of our founding membership continues on. First Providence Missionary Baptist Church is a progressive church, meaning we continue to move forward while advancing by successive stages. We continue to make improvements while favoring reforms. Our Pastor and Wife along with the membership of First Providence encourage the adoption of new methods and inventions. We will continue to march on!
Acts 20:24; But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and with the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the Grace of God.
Our Past Leaders
1962 - 1966 Rev. J. H. Thompkin, Founding Pastor
1966 - 1970 Rev. Leon R. Morrison
1970 - 1973 Rev. W. E. Tinsley
1973 - 1989 Rev. Marion L. Finney
Our Current Pastor: 1989 - Present Artis T. Lanier, Jr.
We are a friendly church on the side of the road, where everybody is somebody, but Christ is ALL.
Prayer Requests
Ask for Prayers or Take a Few Minutes to Pray for Others in Need.
DEACON BOARD
The Deacon Board consist of spirit filled men of God that are responsible for the general upkeep of the building and the financial management of the Church. They are servant leaders who are qualified to assist the Pastor in the spiritual and business matters of the Church. The Deacons are an ordained office and have a very important roll in the Church. According to the Bible, the office of a Deacon is an honor and a blessing.
(1 Timothy 3: 8-12) (1 Timothy 3:13)
DEACONESS BOARD
The Deaconess Board consist of spirit filled woman of God. They are responsible for assisting the Pastor with the spiritual matters of the Church. They also serve by performing acts of charity and hospitality and assistance for those in the Church, particularly women. They assist in the work of visitation, and ministry to the sick, bereaved, and needy on a case by case basis. They are qualified to teach as well as assist the Deacons in their duties.
MISSION AND HOSPITALITY GROUP & MOTHERS BOARD
The Mission and Hospitality Department work hand and hand with the Mother's Board. Although the Mother's Board consist of a group of "senior and seasoned" mothers of our Church, The Mission and Hospitality Group share the same responsibilities. They are servant leaders who represent wisdom and experience for the younger members within the body. Their duties include but are not limited to; grief counselors, calls and visitation to those in need, support to the bereaved families, and provide the seasonal necessities of the Church.
Music Ministry
This department consist of a musical ministry of choir members and musicians who's purpose is to witness through songs and praise. This Ministry has been blessed with talents and gifts that have been appointed and anointed by God. The Kids for Christ Choir, The Young Voices 4 Christ, The Full Gospel Choir, and The Praise Team make-up this music ministry. It is complete with a Minister of Music, musicians and several gifted directors. The dedication and commitment in this department unparalleled.
SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The Sunday School is a learning institution that is comprised of Bible classes for all ages. The classes are held every Sunday morning via Zoom. See "Service times & Locations" for more information. Fundamental and sound doctrine is the goal of the teachers who have been appointed by the Sunday School Superintendent and Pastor. The Sunday School curriculum is taught from the Union Gospel Press which is a trusted and reliable source of Bible knowledge and truth. This is a place that offers open dialogue and discussions of the scriptures.
USHER BOARD
Our Church Ushers are officials who help the Pastor to make the service a success by putting the congregation in the right frame of mind to receive the message. Our Ushers meets every one with a pleasant smile and a warm welcome while directing them to their seats. Our Ushers also make sure that perfect order is kept in and around the church at all times during the services. Our Ushers are doorkeepers in the house of God and perform a variety of other tasks while serving in this very important ministry.
MENS MINISTRY
This group of leaders serves in the church by hosting yearly services that encourage men and young men of all ages. This ministry promotes and fosters love, support, and reassurance to not only the men in our congregation but in our local communities as well. Our Pastor, Associated Ministers, and Board of Deacons serve in this ministry by influence and encouragement to the younger men. It is a continued growing, striving, and thriving group of leaders that have innovative ideas that will help to lead the brothers to Christ.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
This Ministry is comprised of women young, gifted, and seasoned who are willing workers who are ready to be used by God. They contribute their time and resources to insure that the Church meets the needs of other women of all ages in the Church. The younger women are encouraged to Chair spiritual events and gatherings that will allow dialogue, discussions, and spiritual insight to everyday situations. The W.O.W. ( Women of the Word) team embraces women of all ages who are dedicated to learning and living through and by the knowledge of the Holy scriptures. Their focus is on study, sharing, and fellowship.
