History

First Baptist Church has a rich tradition both as a local Church and as a Southern Baptist Convention pioneer in many areas. It was organized as Charlottesville Baptist Church in August of 1831 with 31 charter members who called as their first pastor Rev. Reuben Lindsey Coleman.

A Few Historically Significant Events in the Life of FBC

In 1857 Dr. John A. Broadus, pastor of Charlottesville Baptist Church and founder of the Albemarle Female Institute, held a revival service at the Institute, and a young student, Lottie Moon, surrendered her life to Christ. She was baptized at the Church. In 1873 she sailed for China where she served sacrificially for 40 years as a Baptist Missionary. Of course, the SBC Christmas offering for missions is named after Lottie Moon.

At a meeting of the young people of the Church in 1884, it was Mr. M. C. Thomas who cast a decisive vote that brought into existence the very first Baptist Young Peoples Union in Virginia, and, as far as is known, the first in the Southern Baptist Convention. This was the forerunner of Discipleship Training.

Vacation Bible School became a well-established movement in 1906 as a result of the inspiration and work of Mrs. Virginia Sinclair Hawes, a member of First Baptist Church.

Other Highlights of Our History

1832 – First Female Missionary Society;

1835 – First Church building in downtown Charlottesville;

1925 – First Southern Baptist Sunday School clinic;

1927 – First "Christmas in August";

1978 – First service in new building on Park Street after
the downtown building was destroyed by fire;

1996 - Dedication of new classrooms, fellowship hall,
fully-equipped kitchen, and gymnasium; and

2006 - Celebration of 175th anniversary with a special day
of worship and homecoming activities.

The following quote from Dr. Henry Alford Porter, former pastor in 1931, speaks to the spirit of our First Baptist Family and its zeal and desire to promote the Gospel throughout this city, country, and the world:

"The story of our Church is an inspiring one. We should look back upon its abiding achievements with pride and gratitude. But its history is not a monument to departed glories. Its work is in the living present. Its thoughts must be of tomorrow. We cannot bask in the sunshine of days gone by. Let us add to the faith of the past a greater faith for the future, and pray that the glories of the yesteryears may be outshone by the glories of the years that are to come."

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Christmas Musical

10:45 a.m. on Dec 12.

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C.A.R.E. Revealed

Organized ways for

FBC family to

serve others.

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