First Baptist Church of Quitman was organized in 1843 with 25 members. It was a member of the Liberty Baptist Association of Alabama. In 1876, the church became a charter member of the Chickasawhay Baptist Association and in 1919 a charter member of the Clarke County Baptist Association. Most of the early church records were lost in a devastating fire in 1927. Almost immediately, the church began a building program and dedicated a new building in 1929. The earliest mention of the church as “First Baptist Church” was in the associational minutes of 1937.

Over the next decades, First Baptist Church grew in many ways. The church added an organ and baby grand piano. It purchased a bus and built a home for the pastor. In 1957, FBC built an educational building and, two years later, added a Minister of Music to the staff. In 1960, the church opened the first kindergarten in Clarke County. In preparation for the future, the church purchased property including another staff home. In 1975, FBC voted to build a new facility on the new property and in 1977 moved into its new building on Franklin Street.

Today, the strength and maturity of the church continues to impact Clarke County and the world. Various ministries have focused on reaching outside the walls of the church. In the late 1990s, the church took youth groups into Mexico on mission trips. This practice was renewed in 2007 with the first adult team to go into Honduras. Since then, FBC has sent teams and individuals into many foreign countries. Currently, three former church members serve as missionaries in Honduras and France. The music ministry offers programs that are viewed by people throughout the area. In 2007, FBC began a yearly Fallfest celebration that draws around 300 children and parents for a night of safe fun.

This year, First Baptist Church will celebrate its 175th anniversary as an organized church. The celebration will take place at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 5. Many former members and staff will gather to praise God for 175 years of His blessings. Lunch will be served after the worship service. A special area will be designated with memorabilia from the past. While we celebrate a rich history, we trust that God has many more blessings and challenges for the future as we proclaim Jesus to Clarke County and the world.

About the church:

Name: First Baptist Church, Quitman.

Pastor: Dr. Gene Neal – 17 years.

Denomination: Southern Baptist.

Church founded: 1843.

Members: 500.

Address: 411 East Franklin St – Quitman.

Contact Info: 601-776-2184 or First Baptist Church Quitman on Facebook.

Service Times:

Sundays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. – Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Weekly programs:

Children’s and Youth choirs on Sunday nights, Adult Choir on Wednesday nights, Children’s mission activities on Wednesday nights, Youth discipleship on Wednesday and Sunday nights, Ladies chair yoga on Monday mornings, Senior Adult Choir on Tuesday mornings, Ladies exercise program several times a week.

Upcoming events:

We will join four other churches in Holy Week Services, March 25-29. Vacation Bible School is coming in June. The Youth Choir will be going to Orlando, Fla. in July. The church will celebrate its 175th anniversary as an organized church on Aug. 5 of this year. All former members and friends of FBC are invited to join us.

Is there an event special to your church?

Fallfest each year in Oct. has around 300 children and parents participate.

Cheryl Owens coordinates Worship Site Profile, which is published on Saturdays. Recommend your site to cowens@themeridianstar.com.