Before the Revolutionary War, believers came together to organize a church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.  Our oldest surviving record dates from September 16, 1787.  Our church has had five names:  The Church of Christ on Jamey’s Creek, Woodruff Meeting House, Shackleford’s Meeting House, Bethel, and since 1911, First Baptist.  We have had seven meeting places.  The first were log houses located in or near the Bethel Cemetery.  In 1849 a spacious wooden building was completed and was used until a brick structure was built on North Main Street in 1911.  Our church began meeting in its present location in 1962, first in the fellowship hall and then in 1973 in the sanctuary.

The first pastorate and longest was that of Richard Shackleford who served for 27 years.  Among the early pastors were Dr. James C. Furman, who became president of Furman University, and Dr. John A. Broadus, who became president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  During most of the 1800’s our church provided the only school in the area, “The Academy,” until a public school could be provided by the state.  In 1802 a revival broke out inspired by the prayers of a young girl who was a student at The Academy.  188 people were baptized.  Thirty years later at another revival there were 2000 in attendance.  In 1926 our church had the largest Vacation Bible School in South Carolina with 528 enrolled.

First Baptist has a rich heritage and tradition for sending out ministers, missionaries, and mission teams.  Many of the churches in our area trace their beginnings to the "First Church."  Throughout our history God has blessed us so that we could be a blessing to others.

 

Thus far hath God brought us, thus far have we come; We praise Your name, O Father, for all that You have done.  And in Your holy name, we seek to do Your  will, and in Your strength alone we press on, we press on.

 

Our Pastors