History
First Baptist Church was organized on October 16, 1853. Reports of the constituent members vary from seven to twenty-nine white and approximately forty black members. The first pastor was Dr. Samuel B. Rice. One of his first goals was to have a Meeting House. Land was purchased at the corner of Beverley and Washington Streets, and the building was begun. By December 1857, the building was finished, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. George B. Taylor, who became the second pastor of the church. Under Dr. Taylor's wise and energetic leadership, the church's debt was paid, and several revivals steadily increased the membership.
In 1903, the church occupied its second building located on the corner of Beverley and Church Streets. The third and present building, located at West Frederick and St. Clair Streets, was occupied on September 28, 1930.
The church has always been ready to help organize other churches. In 1868, letters of dismissal were granted to black members who so desired to organize a black Baptist Church, which is now Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Financial aid was also given. Assistance in organization was given to Ebenezer Baptist. In 1875, 41 members were dismissed and helped establish the First Baptist Church in Waynesboro. In 1884, assistance was given to the establishment of a Baptist church in Greenville, and to Fishersville in 1949. Three daughter churches were organized in the city: Linden Heights, Calvary, and Memorial. First Baptist gave financial aid and spiritual leadership to each of these churches.
Today, we offer many ministry opportunities to Staunton and beyond. We have always had a great emphasis on the ministry to the deaf, and all worship services are interpreted. We have a live feed on Facebook for our Sunday morning worship service, and we offer programs of Bible study on Sunday mornings.
As we continue the ministry commitments of the past, we also look for new opportunities to serve. With each new member and each new challenge, new ministry ideas evolve and form new traditions. Much of our history is yet to be written.
Television Ministry
First Baptist has been a trailblazer in television ministry, starting with live color broadcasts in 1987. Today, our worship services are broadcast every Sunday at 12:30 PM on Comcast Channel 190.
You can also watch our services live on Facebook.
Local Missions
First Baptist Church is active in several local missions: Food Pantry, Sacks of Love ministry to Bessie Weller Elementary School, Blessings of Clothes give-away, and financial support of numerous local ministries, including The Salvation Army, Comfort Care Women's Health, SACRA, and Love INC.
We are also involved with the international ministry, Operation Christmas Child.
