Our Church

The Original Meeting Place. Typical of Baptists, Winstanley Church had its beginning as a mission Sunday School. The idea was born in the minds of Pastor Adam Faucett of the First Baptist Church of East St. Louis and some of the young people of his flock. Winstanley had its beginning in the Winstanley Park School house on the southwest corner of 27th and Henrietta. The exact date when the Sunday School had its first meeting is unknown. However, on the fly leaf of a Bible was recorded an attendance record dated June 9, 1901. The name Winstanley came from the name of Thomas Winstanley who owned the area to raise cattle.

Winstanley's birthplace on 26th Street - September 7, 1907. The second location was on 26th Street just north of State Street. It was at this location that the mission was organized into a Church. There were thirty-three charter members, most of whom were young people. A few years later the church was moved to the corner of 28th Street and State Street.

The First Building. Funds were secured to purchase the property and the construction of the first building in 1911. Soon after the completion of the Chapel, a gymnasium was built at the rear of the building. A number of young people have been won to Christ through the athletic program.

The Fairview Heights Building. In 1970, the church moved to the present location on Highway 161 in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The church has been blessed by three building programs at its present location. The first program was the addition of a gymnasium. The second program converted the original gymnasium into educational space and the building of a new gymnasium. The third program which was completed in 2000 included a new fellowship hall, preschool suite and church offices, and the remodeling of our sanctuary.

Date last reviewed: June 8, 2000