The history of First Baptist Church of Mesa (FBCM) goes back one hundred and sixteen years to 1892 when a group of people began holding services under a shady trellised area on South MacDonald Street near the heart of downtown Mesa. The First Baptist Church of Mesa (FBCM), along with the Mesa's older churches, "struggled" through the depression and at one time the financial conditions were so dire that some thought they would have to merge with First Methodist Church just east of First Avenue. The two churches did have some joint activities such as Vacation Bible School. The church property at 245 N. MacDonald included a sanctuary which seated approximately 250, adequate office space and large educational wings.