humble beginnings
Founded in 1845, First Baptist Church had humble beginnings—meeting at the corner of Washington and Elm, in the old log courthouse. Today, a hair salon sits on that site, but 180 years ago, seven lay members and four pioneer preachers gathered there to form a church that would make much of Jesus and minister faithfully within its Baptist convictions.
By 1848, the church had grown to 28 members and built its first small house of worship. Two rows of handmade pews filled the room, and services were held whenever a pastor could be secured. Even their first pastor, Rev. S. D. Worthington, shared his time with other congregations in the Liberty Baptist Association.
Ten years later, God sent their first full-time pastor, Rev. William Johnson, who faithfully led the church through the dark days of the Civil War. Then came Rev. Everette, and later Rev. Hart, who served for sixteen fruitful years. Under his care, the church grew to 129 members and became one of the first in the Association to offer Sunday School—a sign of the church’s commitment to train up its members in the faith.
By 1848, the church had grown to 28 members and built its first small house of worship. Two rows of handmade pews filled the room, and services were held whenever a pastor could be secured. Even their first pastor, Rev. S. D. Worthington, shared his time with other congregations in the Liberty Baptist Association.
Ten years later, God sent their first full-time pastor, Rev. William Johnson, who faithfully led the church through the dark days of the Civil War. Then came Rev. Everette, and later Rev. Hart, who served for sixteen fruitful years. Under his care, the church grew to 129 members and became one of the first in the Association to offer Sunday School—a sign of the church’s commitment to train up its members in the faith.
Marching onward
First Baptist’s continual willingness to attempt great things for the sake of the Kingdom paved the way for a new building at the corner of West Main and Cleveland—right on the corner of the block where our sanctuary stands today.
And God blessed their obedience. From 1895 to 1910, membership grew from 112 to 446.
In 1918, Dr. T. D. Brown became pastor. He expected to guide the church through the final months of a world war—what he could not foresee was shepherding a congregation during a time when the city itself would soon be transformed.
El Dorado found oil, and everything changed. Yet even as the city boomed, the church’s mission remained the same: to lift up the name of Jesus.
Looking ahead to the needs of future generations, in 1922, Dr. Brown led the congregation to build the very sanctuary we worship in today. Members gave sacrificially to construct a building of unmatched beauty—one that would indeed serve generations to come. Even the lumber from the former property was used to build another church in our town, so that the Kingdom continued to expand.
Throughout the 1920s, this beautiful sanctuary became a vibrant place of worship. By 1929, membership had reached 1,115.
And God blessed their obedience. From 1895 to 1910, membership grew from 112 to 446.
In 1918, Dr. T. D. Brown became pastor. He expected to guide the church through the final months of a world war—what he could not foresee was shepherding a congregation during a time when the city itself would soon be transformed.
El Dorado found oil, and everything changed. Yet even as the city boomed, the church’s mission remained the same: to lift up the name of Jesus.
Looking ahead to the needs of future generations, in 1922, Dr. Brown led the congregation to build the very sanctuary we worship in today. Members gave sacrificially to construct a building of unmatched beauty—one that would indeed serve generations to come. Even the lumber from the former property was used to build another church in our town, so that the Kingdom continued to expand.
Throughout the 1920s, this beautiful sanctuary became a vibrant place of worship. By 1929, membership had reached 1,115.
Looking ahead
Over the years, God has provided faithful shepherds for His flock.
Under Sam Reeves, the wings of the building were expanded—and yes, even air conditioning was installed within the sanctuary!
Dr. Don B. Harbuck, who pastored from 1962 to 1983, led a full renovation of the church and oversaw the installation of the stained-glass windows. Dr. Harbuck worked hard to emphasize the beauty and meaning of this sanctuary.
Faithful pastors continued to lead as one millennium closed and another began: Mark Coppenger and Floyd Lewis guided the church through the 1980s and 1990s. Lynn Worthen led us into the 21st century, followed by Matt Pearson, and most recently Jonathan Kelly, whose ministry here was marked by faithful shepherding and by guiding us through the unprecedented days of a global pandemic.
Today, Taylor Geurin, a faithful staff, and each and every member seek the Spirit in leading FBC into the incredible future God has for the church!
And so, from a log courthouse to a wooden chapel to this magnificent sanctuary, one story has remained the same: God has been faithful, and His church has endured.
Under Sam Reeves, the wings of the building were expanded—and yes, even air conditioning was installed within the sanctuary!
Dr. Don B. Harbuck, who pastored from 1962 to 1983, led a full renovation of the church and oversaw the installation of the stained-glass windows. Dr. Harbuck worked hard to emphasize the beauty and meaning of this sanctuary.
Faithful pastors continued to lead as one millennium closed and another began: Mark Coppenger and Floyd Lewis guided the church through the 1980s and 1990s. Lynn Worthen led us into the 21st century, followed by Matt Pearson, and most recently Jonathan Kelly, whose ministry here was marked by faithful shepherding and by guiding us through the unprecedented days of a global pandemic.
Today, Taylor Geurin, a faithful staff, and each and every member seek the Spirit in leading FBC into the incredible future God has for the church!
And so, from a log courthouse to a wooden chapel to this magnificent sanctuary, one story has remained the same: God has been faithful, and His church has endured.
