Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarStained glass window in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Newton.

First Baptist Church in Newton was founded in 1869 in a one-room wooden structure that served as a place of worship for 38 years.

The first pastor was Rev. N. L. Clarke – an influential Baptist minister in East Mississippi. When Clarke Memorial College opened on Oct. 1, 1908, the Baptist college was named after him.

In 1908, FBC Newton built a new building at a cost of $10,000. It was used for 40 years. By 1910, the church membership had grown to 364.

On Dec., 5, 1948, the church was destroyed by fire. Even though handicapped by a shortage of building materials in the wake of World War II, a new brick building of gothic design was built at a cost of $200,000.

Through the years the church has built a family life building and children’s building to meet the church’s growing needs. The church is now focused on outreach ministries and has partnerships in Asia, Mexico, St. Louis, and the Newton community.

Church Facts 

• Name: First Baptist Newton.

• Pastor: Dr. Brian Rushing – seven years. 

• Minister of Music and Sr. Adults: Randy Cuchens. 

• Denomination: Southern Baptist.

• Members: 800.

• Address: 307 East Church St. 

• Contact: (601) 683-2066 or www.fbnewton.org.

Services 

Sundays 

• Prayer Time – 8:45 a.m.

• Sunday School – 9:15 a.m.

• Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.

• Children’s Music – 5 p.m.

• Youth Bible Study – 5 p.m.

• Adult Discipleship – 5 p.m.

• Evening Worship – 6 p.m.

Wednesdays

 Adult Choir – 6 p.m.

Adult Bible Study – 6 p.m.

TeamKid – 6 p.m.

Special Events coming up:

Sanctity of Life Week – crosses are placed outside the church with each representing 100,000 babies whose lives were ended by abortion. 

Sanctity of Life Sunday – Jan. 15 – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Men’s Soup and Chili Cook Off – Sunday, Jan. 28 after evening service. Men, get your recipes ready!

FBC Newton Blood Drive – Sunday, Feb. 12 – 11:30 a. to 4:30 p.m. – family life building.