A Rich Heritage

First Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Alabama, was founded while this area was still Mississippi Territory. The church was two years old when this land became the State of Alabama.

Nine dedicated people met on Saturday, March 22, 1817, to form what is now First Baptist Church. In 1817, the church adopted as its name Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In 1877, the name was changed to Springville Baptist Church. In 1975, the church incorporated and the name was changed to First Baptist Church.

Sion Blythe was the first pastor. The group met in homes until 1818 when plans materialized for a “meeting house” at the Big Spring. In 1870, the church relocated to a lot obtained from Mr. L. W. Herring. In 1966, the church relocated to the corner of Wilson and Robinson Streets. An interim auditorium and education building were constructed on this site. In 1981, on the same site, the main auditorium was constructed. Then in 1990, a Family Life Center was added to the church’s facilities.