HISTORY
Reverend Z.N. Morrell organized the Huntsville Baptist Church on September 16, 1844 with eight members. It is one of the oldest Baptist churches in Texas.The original church met in Deans School House until 1851 when the church's first building was built on two lots purchased at the corner of what is now 13th Street and Avenue J. Rufus C. Burleson preached the dedicatory sermon, using as his text Proverbs 22:28, "Remove not the ancient landmarks which your fathers have set."
Some of the most famous members of the church were General Sam Houston and his wife, Margaret. They joined in December 1855 bringing their letters from the church at Independence where Sam Houston had been converted. He built a baptismal pool near his residence here in Huntsville, and it was there that this church met to baptize converts. They remained as members until July 1859 when Houston moved to Austin to become Governor of Texas.
The second church building on this spot was a completely remodeled structure with stained glass windows. It was dedicated in 1891 with Burleson again preaching the dedicatory sermon using the same text that he had used earlier.
The second building was torn down in 1924 and a four-story red brick building was erected on the same spot. It was a large church with tall white pillars on the front and stained glass windows in the sanctuary, which was located on the second floor. Rev. C. F. Andrews was pastor when this building was erected and chose as his text for the dedicatory sermon, Proverbs 22:28.
Many Huntsville residents still remember Sunday, January 24, 1954 when a tragic fire destroyed this third church building. Church members rushed to save whatever they could. Church records, song books, baby beds and nursery furniture and even the organ and some of the pews were carried out and saved. The Mason-Hamblen grand piano, still in use by the congregation today, was carried down the steep front steps leading from the sanctuary. Arrangements were made for the evening service to be held in the high school auditorium, and First Baptist Church continued to meet there until the fourth building was dedicated on December 11, 1955. Pastor Gordon Clinard preached the dedicatory sermon using the familiar text from Proverbs.
In 1872, Z. N. Morrell wrote, "But few churches in the history of Baptists have maintained their organization so long and amid so many trials as the church in Huntsville…. Under it all, and through it all it lived, and yet lives, to bear testimony for Christ." These words were written over 100 years ago, and yet they still ring true today for First Baptist Church, Huntsville.
The years have passed, and the church has seen both physical and spiritual growth under the leadership of many outstanding men of God. On February 18, 1990, a church steeple was added to the present building and was dedicated in memory of Wills and Beulahree Floyd. The steeple had been a part of the building plans in 1955 but was omitted at the time because of cost. This steeple with a cross at the top is a visible landmark for all of Huntsville and is the present logo of the church. In 1999 the church initiated two new traditions with an Easter Sunrise Service and a Christmas Hanging of the Greens. Both events have become a part of our yearly calendar. FBC reaches out to areas in the church and the community in many ways. These include participation in the following ministries: the Prison Ministry; the Hospitality House; Burning Hope Church in Trinity; and International Ministry among foreign students at SHSU; a dynamic Bible Study and an inspirational Music Program for all ages; Sunday and Wednesday worship times led by the pastor; 26 Ministry Teams made up of church members; a Family Life Center used by the church and community for sports, recreation and wellness; a Mission Emphasis which includes a missionary home that houses missionaries who are on furlough in the States; and many other ways in which the people "bear testimony for Christ".
In 2000 a great celebration marked the paying off of the debt on the Family Life Center due to the generosity of the estate of two members, George and Jimmie Ellis. At the end of 2001, the church called Rev. David Valentine as pastor and in January, 2002, Rev. Bryan McNair was called as Associate Pastor for Family Ministries which includes the youth and being coordinator of the Family Life Center. These two join staff members Rev. Carrol Williams, Associate Pastor for Education, Dr. Wayne Barrett, Associate Pastor for Music, Jerry Phillips, Associate Pastor for Community Ministries, which includes the College department and Prison Ministries and Amanda Largent, Minister to Preschool and children..
The past of First Baptist Church provides a rich heritage, the present provides a tremendous commitment to the commands of Jesus to go and make disciples and the future of FBC is as bright as the promises of God. We are FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS and invite you to join us in this commitment.