First History
First Baptist Church, organized in 1888, has served the spiritual needs of Florence for
120 years.
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The first church building was built in 1890 at the corner of Tombigbee
and Walnut Streets near the heart of downtown
Florence. In July 1909 a fire destroyed that original church building. By
November of the same year, the First Baptist congregation held a ground-breaking service
for a new church structure on the same site. That second church building still
stands and is now used as the First Baptist Church Chapel.
Click an image for a larger
view.
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In 1919 a Pastorium was built at 316 East Tombigbee Street, next door to the church
building. Beginning in the mid-1950's, the former Pastorium was used as the Church
Office. Educational buildings were added to the church plant in 1920 and in 1954.
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The present Worship Center of First
Baptist Church was built in 1963 at the corner of Wood Avenue and Tombigbee Street, across
from historic Wilson Park. At the time of its construction, the steeple of First
Baptist Church was the tallest structure in the city of Florence. The building also
houses the church's Fellowship Hall on its lower level. The Worship Center was
remodeled in 1988, and the Fellowship Hall underwent renovation in 1999. Click image for a larger view. |
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In the fall of 1999 First Baptist Church completed a
facilities upgrade project which included the complete renovation of the
1954 Educational Building, the demolition of the 1919 Pastorium/Office Building and the 1920 educational facility, the
remodeling of the Fellowship Hall, the addition of a new "gathering area" facing
Tombigbee Street, and the construction of new church offices at 209 Walnut Street.
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| God has richly blessed the congregations of First Baptist Church over the years.
It is our prayer that we will use the beautiful facilities He has given us to help others
to know and follow God's will for their lives. |
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