Founding Years

1. The First Baptist Church of Louisville was constituted on June 8, 1884. According to the minutes for the Hephzibah Baptist Association in 1844, it "was noted that a letter was received from the newly constituted church at Louisville, Jefferson County, and upon examination of her faith, she being found orthodox, was admitted into our union."

2. According to A History of Saint George Parish, Colony of Georgia, Jefferson County, State of Georgia (1983), written by Marion Little Durden, a native of Louisville, the founding members of First Baptist were Sherrod Arrington, Frederick Kicklighter, Nathaniel Harriett Lowery, Mrs. Mary A. Kicklighter, Mrs. Henry Battey, Mrs. Dr. Thomas Battey, Mrs. Holt, Mrs. Lumpkin and Mrs. Sikes (first names of the last three were unavailable). Most of these members came from Providence Church or Ozias Church in the Grange community.

3. First Baptist Church began its ministry with 36 members. As of historical interest, of the church membership, 13 were white, and the remaining slaves. Following the Civil War and prior to many blacks having their own congregations, there were 31 white members and 145 black members within the First Baptist Church membership.

Ministry and Growth of the Early Years

1. First Baptist dedicated its second church building, on Seventh and Walnut Street on Sunday, April, 1893. "That was the day set apart for the dedication of the new and beautiful church, and all looked forward to it with fond anticipations. By ten O'clock the people began to enter the church, and in a short time every seat was occupied. Chairs were secured and every foot of space was occupied." Rev. J. G. Gibson, Rev. G. R. McCall (pastor), and Rev. G. S. Johnston occupied the platform that morning. Seating capacity was approximately 300. (News and Farmer)

2. In 1924, revival swept the Eastern Central portion of Georgia, as Dr. George W. Truett (1867-1944) came to Louisville. The Georgia Baptist publication, The Christian Index and the local Louisville newspaper, the News and Farmer tracked the comings and goings of this great event. Headlines, such as "Outstanding Baptist Preacher of World to Preach Here" caught the eye of the local readers. (News and Farmer)

3. In a letter from W. R. Sinquefield, Sect.; A. P. Little, Sect.; and W. W. Abbot Chairman Executive Committee, Dr. Truett received the message that "two trains and two bus lines operate on convenient schedules from Wadley to Louisville," thereby assuring that adequate transportation was available for the incoming crowds.

Going Forward

1. In the 1960's, Rev. Grady Summer led the members of First Baptist Church to erect the current building located on 9th and Mulberry.

2. From the May 1967 edition of the News and Farmer, we find another photograph with the following cutline: "The key to the new First Baptist Church (was) delivered to the chairman of the Building Committee on Sunday, May 21, by the contractor, J. P. Morgan." (News and Farmer)

3. "The last meeting in the old First Baptist Church (building), which was built in 1893, was an exciting and emotional experience for the members of the congregation on last Sunday. There was a feeling of happiness, joy, a sense of going forward and accomplishment." (News and Farmer)

4. On the fifth Sunday, May 1967, the congregation proceeded from the old church building to the new building, located on 9th and Mulberry. Police chief, Paul Hattaway escorted the congregation. Miss Imogene Achorn cut the ribbon for entry into the new building.

5. In 1978, William (Bill) Smith was called as the Minister of Music and Youth.

What We Believe

This section is currently Under Construction

Christ, Community, and Culture

Louisville, Georgia is an excellent place to call home. We are rich in Christ, community, and culture. We are blessed to reside in an area that prides itself on family and friends. There is never a shortage on Southern charm and hospitality.

Our home town is filled with followers of Jesus Christ, who seek to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, which takes away the sin of the world to anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord. Still, the mission field is white unto harvest and there are new fields or opportunity to plant the seeds of truth. Many of the local churches in our community have a heritage of coming together to bring glory to the Lord.

Our home town is filled with families, whether married or single, who connect with one another in order to do life together. One may see someone sitting on the front porch or sharing a meal with someone in need.

Our home town is filled with friends, who have invested in cultivating a cultural climate that extends from our annual Buzzard Blast to Art exhibits in downtown Louisville. Home of Georgia's first permanent state capital, Louisville proudly shares its heritage with anyone who will listen.

Vision

First Baptist Church Louisville exists to Glorify the LORD through worship; Equip the believers through fellowship and discipleship; Reach the lost through evangelism and missions.

We seek to lead our community to become faithful followers of Jesus Christ through the engagement of Sunday School.

Our church has caught the vision of this year's campaign: "Walk By Faith".

1. Families have committed to Reach the Lost; to Deepen their walk with the Lord; to Connect with other believers; and to Serve their community for Jesus Christ.

2. We feel that these four goals or commitments will strengthen our church, as we become a healthy body of Christ.

3. These commitments will be administered through the Sunday School.

"I believe the Sunday School remains the best environment to foster Christian maturity." - Rev. Hardy G. Owens

Come and See

Directions

From Augusta
Take U.S. Hwy 1 south to Louisville, Georgia; turn right on Mulberry Street; First Baptist is ½ mile on left.

From I-16
Take U.S. Hwy 1 north to Louisville, Georgia; turn left on Mulberry Street; First Baptist is ½ mile on left.

From Sandersville
Take Hwy 24 east to Louisville, Georgia; turn right on 9th Street; go to second four-way stop and First Baptist is on the left.

From Waynesboro
Take Hwy 24 west to Louisville, Georgia; cross U.S. Hwy 1 and continue ½ mile; First Baptist Church is on left.

Contact Us

First Baptist Church, 101 E. 9th Street, Louisville, Georgia; (478) 625-3076.