Founded in 1945
The present congregation was established as a Baptist church committed to Christ-centered worship in the Valley.
Our Building
The history of a church building in Sonoma
The sanctuary used by First Baptist Sonoma has a long local history. This page preserves the building story, timeline, and architectural details without making them the center of the church’s identity.
Sunday worship at 10:30 AM
Building History
Historic structure, ongoing worship
First Baptist Sonoma gathers in a sanctuary with deep local roots. The building has a visible history in Sonoma, but it continues to serve a living congregation devoted to Christ-centered worship.
Sanctuary from 1851
The sanctuary remains the oldest known Protestant building north of San Francisco, originally erected as Ames Chapel.
Raised steeple and Gothic profile
After moving to First Street in 1893, the roof was raised to create the church's distinctive Gothic character and prominent steeple.
Historic Setting
Rooted near the Sonoma plaza
The life of the church has long been connected to the rhythm of downtown Sonoma. The sanctuary, the surrounding streets, and the nearby plaza together tell a local story of worship, neighborhood presence, and continuity across generations.
This page preserves those building details and the visible architectural history so the main About page can stay focused on Christ, the gospel, and welcoming new visitors.
1851
Ames Chapel is erected
The sanctuary was first built as a simple one-room chapel, lit by oil lamps and warmed by a wood-burning stove.
1893
Moved to First Street
The building was relocated near the Sonoma plaza and raised into the Gothic silhouette that defines it today.
1945
First Baptist Sonoma is founded
The present congregation was established as a Baptist church committed to Christ-centered worship, Scripture, and local ministry.
Today
Rooted in Sonoma
The church continues to gather each Sunday for worship and throughout the week for fellowship, discipleship, and service in the Valley.
The building
The sanctuary that we meet in is the oldest known Protestant building north of San Francisco. When erected in 1851, it consisted of one room lit by oil lamps and heated by a wood-burning stove. It was located on the south side of East Napa Street near Third Street and was known as Ames Chapel.
Craftsmanship and architecture
The building moved to First Street in 1893 and had the roof raised to give it its classic Gothic look. The frame is made of full-cut pine and hand-hewn timbers, while the shell was built of redwood and hand-forged square nails were used throughout the framing.
The steeple
The steeple makes the church the tallest structure in Sonoma. At the top of the steeple is the cross of Jesus Christ, making it the highest symbol in Sonoma and pointing to His Lordship over all things.