The First Baptist Church had its beginnings in April of 1874. A small group of devout Christians met under a brush arbor on the corner of what is now known as Jefferson and Rickert Streets with Rev. Charlie Brown for the purpose of organizing a church. This church later became known as Emmaus Baptist Church as a result of a few dedicated believers who saw the need for a stationary place in which to worship. Rev. Charlie Brown became the first pastor of the Church. The Charter members were Solomon Trexler, Phyllis Trexler, Tina Allison, Hannah Allison, Charles Summers, Manlus Huggins and David Lynch.

 

The pioneers of Emmaus Baptist Church realized that a much larger building was needed due to the  increase in membership so plans were made for another site. Early in 1883, the congregation voted to relocate the church and purchased property on the corner of Green and Garfield Streets from Mrs. Mary C. Bell for the sum of $50.00. The Building was completed in September of the same year. The first pastor to serve this Church was Rev. V.T. Nunnally. It was during this time that the membership voted to change the name to The First Baptist Church of Statesville.

 

In 1905, the first brick building was erected and the first Baptismal pool was dug. Services were held in this building until 1914 when the members, under the leadership of Rev. O.J. Allen, voted to build a new and larger church to accommodate the great growth. A part of the old building was torn down and a new brick structure was erected. The Cornerstone Laying service was in 1915. Rev. O.J. Allen served a pastor until 1924.

 

The church's location created an inconvenience for those members living in the western part of the city to attend service regularly, so The First Baptist Church became the mother church of St. John Baptist Church which is a flourshing ministry to this day. The next 36 years marked the ministry of Rev. J.W. Croom. During his leadership, the church saw may improvements and grew, resulting in additions being made to the physical structure. Rev. J.W. Croom remained pastor unitl 1961 and in 1962, The First Baptist Church welcomed Rev. J.C. Harris as the eighth pastor of the church.

 

On January 1, 1963, the membership voted to  purchase the property on the corner of Garfield Street and the Old Salisbury Road, the church's current location, consisting of 16.82 acres. The property was purchased from Miss Anna Cowan for the purposes of erecting a new church at a price of $20,000. Architect Ray Trexler was selected to aid in the basic planning. Groundbreaking service was held on October 24, 1965. Construction of the edifice began March 1966 and was completed on March 11, 1967 by Tierney Construction Company, Inc. for an approximate cost of $215,000. Sunday, March 12, 1967 was the first service and the Cornerstone Laying ceremony at the new church location with Rev. J.C. Harris preaching the sermon. On Sunday, March 26, 1967, a dedicatory service was held where Dr. J.E. Cheek, President of Shaw University (Raleigh, NC) delivered the sermon.

 

With new facilities, The First Baptist Church continued to grow in all areas. The Church placed in its Charter that it would set forth to carry out the commissions of Jesus Christ and committed itself to a great zeal for missions and Christian education. Under the leadership of Rev. Harris, the church budget increased, new organizations were started and church business office was organized. The First Baptist Church facility even hosted a day care center program, founded in 1967 by Dr. Harris and Mrs. Florence Davidson, to serve black children in Iredell County.  Rev. J.C. Harris graciously and tirelessly served as pastor of The First Baptist Church until his passing in November 2013.

 

In 2015, The First Baptist Church welcomed Rev. J.W. Brunson, installing him as the first pastor in 51 years. The installation service was held on March 13, 2016 and Rev. Peter M. Wherry delivered the sermon. Under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Brunson, The First Baptist Church has re-committed itself to building on The Promises of God by growing God's people and rising to a new level of service, involvement and impact on the Statesville Community.

 

Pastors of First Baptist Church

 

Rev. Charlie Brown 1874-1880

Rev. V.T. Nunnally 1881-1890

Rev. W.M. Veal 1895-1905

Rev. F.A. Carter 1905-1907

Rev. A.H. Lewis 1908-1914

Rev. O.J. Allen 1914-1924

Rev. J.W. Croom 1925-1961

Rev. J.C. Harris 1962-2013

Rev. J.W. Brunson 2015-present

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