How it all started...
In 1880 First Baptist Church of Baxley, Georgia was organized with the following charter members: Mr. & Mrs. J. Isham Carter, Mr. & Mrs. John W. Carter, Mr. T.H. Carter, Mr. W. J. Carter, Mr. & Mrs. John Hamilton, Mr. & Mrs. George Herndon, Mr. & Mrs. H. M. Herndon, Mr. & Mrs. William C. Parker, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Parker, and Mr. W. H. Parker.
This was ten years after the Southern Railroad completed this section of Georgia when Baxley was known as Station No. 7, and five years after Baxley became the county seat of Appling County. Also, in 1880 the first Sunday School in Baxley was organized in a small school building with W. C. Carter, three women, and twelve children as members.
The first church building for First Baptist was erected on the north end of North Main Street at the time of the church's organization. The congregation grew rapidly and it was soon necessary to build a larger church. It was said that the noise of a grist mill across the street from the church interfered with the Saturday services so an alternate location was selected for the new building.
In 1890 the church's present site was purchased by William C. Parker and Co., who "in consideration of the love they have for Christ and His Kingdom on earth" gave the land to the church's deacons. The second church building was completed free of all indebtedness and dedicated on March 12, 1893.
The first youth organization at First Baptist was started in 1898 as B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People's Union). In 1902 the Convention minutes listed Baxley Baptist with a Ladies Missionary Society. The church had preaching one Sunday a month until 1904 when Rev. Jessie M. Gilmore became pastor and services were held two Sundays each month. In 1911 Rev. E. F. Rice was made a full-time pastor holding services every Sunday.
On November 29, 1925, under the leadership and inspiration of Rev. Zach Everett Barron, the church voted unanimously to build a new church plant. The old building was moved to a lot behind the courthouse and used for services while the new building was under construction. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on November 21, 1926.
This was ten years after the Southern Railroad completed this section of Georgia when Baxley was known as Station No. 7, and five years after Baxley became the county seat of Appling County. Also, in 1880 the first Sunday School in Baxley was organized in a small school building with W. C. Carter, three women, and twelve children as members.
The first church building for First Baptist was erected on the north end of North Main Street at the time of the church's organization. The congregation grew rapidly and it was soon necessary to build a larger church. It was said that the noise of a grist mill across the street from the church interfered with the Saturday services so an alternate location was selected for the new building.
In 1890 the church's present site was purchased by William C. Parker and Co., who "in consideration of the love they have for Christ and His Kingdom on earth" gave the land to the church's deacons. The second church building was completed free of all indebtedness and dedicated on March 12, 1893.
The first youth organization at First Baptist was started in 1898 as B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People's Union). In 1902 the Convention minutes listed Baxley Baptist with a Ladies Missionary Society. The church had preaching one Sunday a month until 1904 when Rev. Jessie M. Gilmore became pastor and services were held two Sundays each month. In 1911 Rev. E. F. Rice was made a full-time pastor holding services every Sunday.
On November 29, 1925, under the leadership and inspiration of Rev. Zach Everett Barron, the church voted unanimously to build a new church plant. The old building was moved to a lot behind the courthouse and used for services while the new building was under construction. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on November 21, 1926.
Expanding the vision...
FBC exists to live & share the love of Jesus Christ.
"42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42-47
"42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42-47
Where we are headed...
First Baptist is headed in an exciting direction. With our eyes on the God given purpose for the church, we are on the move. Proverbs 19:31 states; "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
With the purpose of the Lord in mind, we are going and making disciples! Join us as we seek to Love the Lord, Love His Church, Love His Word, and Love His Lost.
With the purpose of the Lord in mind, we are going and making disciples! Join us as we seek to Love the Lord, Love His Church, Love His Word, and Love His Lost.
