How it all started...
In the early 1880's, a few strong-willed, dedicated, and God inspired souls met and organized First Baptist Church in a former school building under the leadership of the Rev. Peter Adams. This building was located near the former site of Bethel AME Church. Church organizers held their first meeting in 1882.
On July 26, 1899, plans were completed to erect a frame church building on the corner of High Street and Railroad Avenue, now Franklin Street. From their average weekly earnings of $2.00 per week, the members raised $500.00 to build the new church building.
Our present building was erected in 1965 under the leadership of the Rev. McKinley J. Hamilton who was called to serve as the Pastor of First Baptist Church on August 29, 1958. Our first Worship Service in our present sanctuary was held on Thanksgiving Day, 1965. Burning of the mortgage on First Baptist Church took place on December 25, 1976.
The First Baptist Church congregation was also blessed with a parsonage, located adjacent to the church, which is now rental property. This building was erected in 1954 on land donated by Deacon and Mrs. Sam Phelps and Dea. and Mrs. Lee M. Waid. It should be noted that the Ladies Auxiliary raised the first six thousand dollars ($6,000) toward the building of the parsonage and the first sixteen hundred dollars ($1,600) toward the building of our present church structure.
Since its inception, First Baptist Church has been pastored by the following ministers:
Over the years, many projects have been completed to include paving of the parking lot, cushioning of the pews, and lighting fixtures installed on the outside. Also, renovations were made to the choir stand and balcony, erection of a new steeple, a new sound system and a tin roof was installed. Also, stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary and new windows installed in the lower auditorium. A church bus was also purchased. The addition of vinyl siding, guttering and an awning beautified the old church as well as structural repairs being made. There have been many other projects too numerous to mention.
In November 2017, the call was extended to Rev. Christopher M. Coates to become Pastor of First Baptist Church and he accepted. His first sermon as Pastor was preached on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He and his wife, Andrea, came to us from Charlotte, NC. The First Baptist Church family looks forward to a glorious and bright future in the life of our church. All praise and glory be to God!
On July 26, 1899, plans were completed to erect a frame church building on the corner of High Street and Railroad Avenue, now Franklin Street. From their average weekly earnings of $2.00 per week, the members raised $500.00 to build the new church building.
Our present building was erected in 1965 under the leadership of the Rev. McKinley J. Hamilton who was called to serve as the Pastor of First Baptist Church on August 29, 1958. Our first Worship Service in our present sanctuary was held on Thanksgiving Day, 1965. Burning of the mortgage on First Baptist Church took place on December 25, 1976.
The First Baptist Church congregation was also blessed with a parsonage, located adjacent to the church, which is now rental property. This building was erected in 1954 on land donated by Deacon and Mrs. Sam Phelps and Dea. and Mrs. Lee M. Waid. It should be noted that the Ladies Auxiliary raised the first six thousand dollars ($6,000) toward the building of the parsonage and the first sixteen hundred dollars ($1,600) toward the building of our present church structure.
Since its inception, First Baptist Church has been pastored by the following ministers:
- Peter Adams
- Dowell W. Hunt
- Morris Hale
- P. G. Dickerson
- F. M. Jones
- William Price
- William Hunter
- R. J. Watson
- William M. Perkins
- S. R. Johnson
- J. Matthew Coleman
- John E. Powers
- R. R. Wilkinson
- McKinley J. Hamilton
- Samuel J. Anderson
- Christopher M. Coates
Over the years, many projects have been completed to include paving of the parking lot, cushioning of the pews, and lighting fixtures installed on the outside. Also, renovations were made to the choir stand and balcony, erection of a new steeple, a new sound system and a tin roof was installed. Also, stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary and new windows installed in the lower auditorium. A church bus was also purchased. The addition of vinyl siding, guttering and an awning beautified the old church as well as structural repairs being made. There have been many other projects too numerous to mention.
In November 2017, the call was extended to Rev. Christopher M. Coates to become Pastor of First Baptist Church and he accepted. His first sermon as Pastor was preached on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He and his wife, Andrea, came to us from Charlotte, NC. The First Baptist Church family looks forward to a glorious and bright future in the life of our church. All praise and glory be to God!
