Founder’s Corner

Pastor Dobson was saved in his home while watching Billy Graham on television in 1956. He knew the Lord wanted him to preach, so he enrolled in Southern Baptist Bible College in Florida. While in college, he read an article in a magazine entitled “Go West Young Minister, Go West”, which described the need for churches in the West, especially Washington State. Pastor Dobson came out of college a Southern Baptist missionary and headed west. After helping start Finley Baptist Church in 1958, he went back to college to receive more Bible training.

After graduating from Tennessee Temple University, he once again headed toward the Northwest with a vision to build a New Testament church. Settling in the small community of Pasco, Washington, this vision and many others have become a reality.

The First Baptist Church of Riverview first met in the Columbia Grange Hall located on Court Street and Road 64, on September 15, 1963. The church was later renamed to “Riverview Baptist Church” but maintains both names for legal purposes.

In 1964, the members moved into their new church, which is now the Original Auditorium, built on land which had been purchased from a woman who had been praying someone would buy it to build a church on.

When Pastor saw the need for a Christian School, he began praying for one and in 1970, with the help of Bro. Harold Matthews, the school was built. In 1971, after repeated prayer requests for a Christian Radio Station, the Lord answered with a miracle. Today, we enjoy the programs and music heard on KOLU, Christian Family Radio. The gymnasium was built in 1972, and in 1977 the bus garage was added.

As the Lord blessed, the church continued to grow and a larger building was needed. In 1979, the Main Auditorium facing Richardson Road was built. In 1984, the School Dome and parsonage were built. In October, 1991, the Korean congregation moved into their new church building located next to the school.

Dr. Dobson was the Pastor or Riverview Baptist Church for over 34 years. The Lord called him home to his eternal heavenly “home” on December 28, 1997. Those of us who called him “Pastor” were truly grateful that the Lord led him to the Northwest and into our lives and families.