About
First Baptist Church

Who We Are

First Baptist Church of York is a Christ-centered community committed to glorifying God, growing in faith, and sharing the love of Jesus with others. We are a church family that values truth, worship, and genuine relationships, welcoming people from all walks of life.

Our Mission

To Grow in Truth and Love

Highlights In Our Story

<span style="font-size: 1.125rem;">The church’s origins trace back to before 1850, when traveling preachers occasionally conducted Baptist services in York. In 1852, George Slaysman, a dentist and itinerant preacher from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, visited York and sensed from God a calling to establish a gospel-preaching Baptist congregation where there was none. He abandoned a successful dental practice and returned to York that year to establish the First Regular Baptist Church. He rented a third-floor hall in the Hartman Building on Continental Square for their gatherings. Using lumber and hiring a carpenter, he built seats and a pulpit, and they prepared the hall for their first service on the first Sunday of December 1850. Three men and eight women voted to form the church. They called a Council of Recognition, and on May 21, 1851, they officially became the First Regular Baptist Church of York, Pennsylvania, with Rev. Slaysman elected as their pastor.</span>

The church’s origins trace back to before 1850, when traveling preachers occasionally conducted Baptist services in York. In 1852, George Slaysman, a dentist and itinerant preacher from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, visited York and sensed from God a calling to establish a gospel-preaching Baptist congregation where there was none. He abandoned a successful dental practice and returned to York that year to establish the First Regular Baptist Church. He rented a third-floor hall in the Hartman Building on Continental Square for their gatherings. Using lumber and hiring a carpenter, he built seats and a pulpit, and they prepared the hall for their first service on the first Sunday of December 1850. Three men and eight women voted to form the church. They called a Council of Recognition, and on May 21, 1851, they officially became the First Regular Baptist Church of York, Pennsylvania, with Rev. Slaysman elected as their pastor.

<span style="font-size: 1.125rem;">At the outset of the Civil War, the 106th Pennsylvania U.S.A. was housed for six weeks in the church. Known as the Duquesne Boys, they were brought to York and marched into what is now Penn Park by the government. They had no tents or protection, and food was scarce, so Pastor Slaysman invited them to use the church building as a barracks as long as they were in York. Later, when they were ordered to the front, they inquired about the bill for using the church. The church replied, “We gladly do this for our Country’s sake.” So, after their departure, they sent as a gift the Pulpit Bible that is currently in the possession of the church.</span>

At the outset of the Civil War, the 106th Pennsylvania U.S.A. was housed for six weeks in the church. Known as the Duquesne Boys, they were brought to York and marched into what is now Penn Park by the government. They had no tents or protection, and food was scarce, so Pastor Slaysman invited them to use the church building as a barracks as long as they were in York. Later, when they were ordered to the front, they inquired about the bill for using the church. The church replied, “We gladly do this for our Country’s sake.” So, after their departure, they sent as a gift the Pulpit Bible that is currently in the possession of the church.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a thriving, Christ-centered community that transforms lives and impacts our city and beyond with God’s truth and love. We aspire to be a place of hope, welcoming all people to experience the life-changing power of Jesus, grow in their faith, and live out their purpose. Through intentional discipleship, compassionate outreach, and empowering leadership, we seek to inspire generations to follow Jesus and make a lasting impact on our world.

What We Believe

At First Baptist Church of York, we are committed to Biblical truth. Our beliefs are rooted in Scripture and center on Jesus Christ, His teachings, and the life God calls us to live.

We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God, inerrant, and the supreme authority for faith and life.

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is fully God and fully man.

We believe mankind was created in God’s image but fell into sin, resulting in both physical and spiritual death. All people are born with a sinful nature and become sinners in thought, word, and deed.

We believe Jesus Christ died for our sins as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified through His shed blood.

We believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His ascension into heaven, and His ongoing role as our High Priest and Advocate.

We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We believe that all who receive Jesus Christ by faith are born again by the Holy Spirit and become children of God.

We believe that immersion in water is the only Scriptural form of baptism for believers.

We believe communion is a privilege for those who are believers in Jesus Christ.

We believe a New Testament church is a body of baptized believers, independent and self-governing, united for God’s service and governed by Christ.

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people—the saved to everlasting life and the lost to everlasting punishment.

Meet Our Pastor

Meet The Staff
Our <i><span style="color:var(--secondary-color-bg)">Lead <span style="color: var(--secondary-color-bg);">Pastor</span></span><span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)"></span></i>

Our Lead Pastor

It was at the early age of seven that Rey realized his need for a Saviour, and in the quietness of his room, he confessed Jesus as his Saviour.  It was in this moment that he received forgiveness of sin, and received the endwelling Spirit of God.   

From a young age, Rey carried a deep sense of calling and purpose. At fourteen, during a youth camp in Aguascalientes, Mexico, he felt the Lord unmistakably calling him to preach. That night, he surrendered to God’s direction for his life, and he has been faithfully preaching ever since.

From preaching in Mexico, to California, to El Salvador, to Las Vegas, to Pennsylvania, Rey and his wife have traveled together, following the guidance of the Spirit at every step. Today, Rey and Ruth find great blessing in raising their three children at home and serving their calling at First Baptist Church.  

Rey is passionate about helping others grow in their faith through discipleship, sharing the gospel story, and guiding people towards a deeper understanding of the Bible.  His life and calling are shaped by a commitment to truth, love, and the transforming power of God’s Word.

Fun facts: Pastor Rey grew up in Mexico, where he learned to play the guitar, compete in martial arts, and eat tacos like a world champ.