Our Pastor

Born in Crawfordsville, Iowa, Pastor Dick Hedger was lead to the Lord by his oldest sister on December 30, 1949, at the age of 12. Although away from the Lord during his teenage years, he had a godly mother who never stopped praying for him. It was through a terrible car accident that he finally got his heart right with God. Pastor Hedger became actively involved in an independent, fundamental Baptist church in Cherokee, Iowa before moving to assist his former pastor at a church in North Highlands, California. In February of 1975, the Lord lay a vision on Pastor Hedger’s heart to start a church for the inner city people of downtown Sacramento. That became a reality on January 25, 1976, when the doors opened for the first time at 2115 8th Street, where the church currently resides today. The property was rented and later bought from the Chinese Grace Bible Church.  Over the past 35 years, Pastor Hedger has seen many come to Christ and many grow in the Lord. Downtown Baptist Church would not be where it is today without the leadership of Pastor Hedger. His commitment to the ministry has never wavered, and his passion for people is evident in the work here. The doors are still open, and by God's grace, DBC will continue on until the Lord returns.

Pastor and Mrs. Hedger have four grown children and nine grandchildren. Their youngest son, Joel, and his family are actively involved in the work here at DBC. Joel serves alongside his dad as the Associate Pastor, and Joel's wife, Timi, is the Church Secretary. Joel and Timi are the parents of two teenage daughters, Cassidy and Courtney.