First Baptist Church was organized in 1937. On January 23, 1938, the first Sunday School was started in the home of the first Pastor, Rev. C.L. Phillips. The early congregation wasted no time in planning the first church building. The first sanctuary was built on the corner of Washington and BRadwell in 1942-1922. The cost of the facility, equipment, and furnishings was approximately $20,000.
During the 1940's and 1950's, continued growth created the need for additonal educational classrooms; in total, six classrooms, two assembly rooms, and the purchase of a pastorium were added.
Due to the increasing size of the community and the church in the 190's and 1970's, continuous building and remodeling became a necessity. in 1962, a new educational building was built. In 1971, a new larger sanctuary was constructed on the original site at a cost of $145,000.
The 1980's and 1990's brought even more growth and prosperity. in 1981, at a cost of $317,000, the church embarked on another building program that was designed to update, anc connect the improved education complex with the main sanctuary. This building was formally dedicated on March 7, 1982. In 1994, a shelter was built for the new church bus. The vestibule was renovated and the existing windows were replaced by stained glass. On December 14, 1994, at the annual church dinner, the newly renovated social hall was dedicated and name in memory of Emma Kate Bacon. The debt was retired in July 1997 and the church celebrated with a note-burning ceremony.
Today, the ministry and facilites at First Baptist Church continue to grow and expand. On April 6, 2003, the ground was broken for the construction of a beautiful new sanctuary, church office suite, choir room, additional Sunday School classes, cry room, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and paving of existing and addtional parking spaces. The work was completed on January 26, 2004. God has truly equipped us for His special purposes!
In 2005-2006, we turned our attention to our over-crowded social hall and out-dated kitchen. We added a new commercial state-of-the-art kitchen and turned the old sanctuary into a much needed social hall. The church also needed an updated nursery with more space. In the later part of 2007, we started renovation on the old social hall, turning it into the new nursery wing. It was completed in 2008. We have a nursery worthy of all His precious children placed in our care.
Over the years, one thing remains constant; First baptist Church is committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and resting on the fact that He is faithful and true. Praise the Lord for First Baptist Church of Hinesville! May we sing a song of thankfulness to God, for present and former pastors, deacons, and leaders who have shaped the ministry of our church. "To God be the Glory-Great Things He Hath Done!"
