Our History

The First Baptist Church of Los Altos was established in 1940 for the purpose of reaching people in the Los Altos area with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have been served by a number of fine pastors through our history. These men were:

• Pastor Rupert Peterson - 1947
• Pastor Max Weniger - 1950
• Pastor Ralph Kraft - 1961
• Pastor Art Cotant - 1987
• Pastor Mark Lauterbach - 1998

2002 was a year of transition and God comfirmed Randy Wilson as the new Senior Pastor. Our vision is to be a people advancing the Gospel, equipping followers of Christ, and being the Church in our community.

We are developing new directions in children's youth, college, single adults, family ministry and evangelism.

FBCLA started three new church plants:

• Westgate Church on Saratoga Ave. in San Jose.
• Faith in Grace Bible Church , (Mandarin-speaking) meeting in the FBCLA facilities.
• The HighWay Community , meeting in Palo Alto High School facilities.

Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church of Los Altos has faithfully placed the Lord Jesus Christ at the center of all its teachings, programs and service. Its ministry has been balanced in an attempt to reach the whole community. Its strengths have been a strong teaching program, a vital relevant preaching ministry, and a broadened music program.

The First Baptist Church of Los Altos has had a rich history of faithfulness and impact. God has uniquely blessed this Church and its work. The potential for growth in numbers, influence, effectiveness and service is high and is firmly rooted in a half century of service to the Lord.