Organized in March 1909 with twenty-three charter members, First Missionary Baptist Church began her ministry in South Houston. Two lots were given the church by Western Land Company, the company that surveyed and laid out the city.
    In 1911, a sanctuary with seating capacity of 300 was built. New members were baptized in Berry Creek which flows nearby. Sunday School rooms were partitioned off in the sanctuary, and the church office was under the belfry.
   The church grew steadily and established and sponsored three mission organizations (East Haven Baptist, Airway Baptist, and Templo Bautista). All three missions eventually incorporated and became self-sufficient churches. To date, twenty pastors have ministered to this church and this community. During the years, at least four members have served as foreign missionaries and many have surrendered their lives to the gospel ministry. First Baptist Church is grateful to have a one hundred one year legacy of missions and ministry in the South Houston community.
  The church is also excited about its future. During the pastorate of our present pastor, the church has become more involved in working with the city, local police and fire departments, the American Red Cross, and local schools in order to minister more effectively to its community.

Our Staff

Manuel Longoria, Jr., Senior Pastor

    First Baptist Church of South Houston called Manuel Longoria, Jr. as Pastor on July 24, 2005. Pastor Longoria has served as a Texas Baptist pastor since 1990, having served churches in San Diego, Longview, Bovina, and Lubbock before arriving in South Houston. He majored in Journalism/Communications at Texas A&M University, College Station and took Religion coursework at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview. 
   He married Berta Lugo on July 18, 1992 in Alice, Texas. They have two sons-Oscar Armando and Juan Carlos. Pastor Longoria has also been a member of various teams and committees for the local associations where he has served, for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas. He is currently serving on Union Baptist Association’s ASSIST Team and Nominating Committee.

Sandy Borrego, Worship Leader

    Sandy has been involved in music as a Worship leader for ten years at First Baptist Church, South Houston. She is a graduate of Houston Baptist University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with emphasis in voice. Sandy is also a member of the Singing Women of Texas and the Bay Area Chorus. She is currently the Choir Director at Deepwater Jr. High School. Sandy and her husband James have two children, Laura and Jacob.