History of First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church was established July 13, 1844 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Hurt. After experiencing several fires, the church’s present sanctuary was erected in 1929, and has had several major renovations through the years.  A mission church was established in 1942. The mission congregation grew, and in 1970, the South First Street Baptist Church was established.

First Baptist Church is centrally located one block away from the center of the downtown area. In August, 1964, construction was completed of the Children’s Building, located across the street from the church and Education Building. The building provided classrooms for children, kitchen, fellowship hall, and office space.

Because of the phenomenal growth within the last six years, it became quite evident that additional space was needed. Properties extending from the Children’s Building to the end of the block, adjacent to the court square, became available and construction of a New Ministries Building was begun in November, 2002 and was completed in February, 2004. The new facilities adjoin the existing Children’s Building with the new addition housing the offices of the Student Minister and Director of Community Ministries, classrooms, worship center and an all purpose room/gym, and in addition, allowing the expansion of the fellowship hall. The Ministries Center is being utilized with ESL classes for the many Hispanics in our area, a Children’s After-School program followed by Bible study and recreation, and Singles Bible Study and Worship, as well as other miscellaneous activities.

First Baptist Church is a highly dynamic, growing church. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who desires to attend.