Church History
First Baptist Church was organized in the year of our Lord 1848; which makes us the oldest church in the City of Campbellsville. The church was first organized in the home of Mr. Rich Hoskins. The officers were appointed the first Pastor, Rev. Aaron Graves. The structure was a log house which served as, both, church and school; which was located in the 200 block of Cherry and Fisher Street. This was the worship place for both Methodist and Baptist congregations.
Rev. Graves resigned and Rev. G.A. Moore accepted the God's call.
In 1905 Rev. John J. Brown became pastor and remained in this position until his death in 1943. At the passing of Rev. Brown, Dr. A.R. Lasley became pastor and many advances were made in this Christian assembly. Dr. Lasley responded to the Lord's call in Hopkinsville, KY. and the church then accepted Rev. L.V. Jenkins as pastor. Under his leadership a lot was purchased for the location of a parsonage. In 1946, Rev. Floyd W. Childs was called as pastor; authorization was made under his leadership to obtain $5,000 from Federal Savings and Loan Association for the construction of a church parsonage. The structure was erected and dedicated on September 14, 1947.
Change brought with it a new pastor, Dr. Stacy R. Shields who was an Indianapolis native. Under this administration tragedy struck on March 28, 1962 as God’s House was destroyed by fire; however the ashes carried God’s warmth to inspire the congregation to build a bigger and better edifice. October 28, 1962 meant a new era in the history of First Baptist Church; on which the dedication of the present edifice was held. In 1967, Pastor Shields returned to Indianapolis, IN and was succeeded by Rev. A.B. Moore; who was pastor from 1968 to 1972. Pastor Moore alleviated the $61,000 plus in debt against the church.
In November 1973 God called Rev. Gregory F. Smith, who served faithfully. New auxiliaries were added, child development care was provided in the lower auditorium of the church, and mini transportation was provided for the members and community. He was then called to pastor the Hill Street Baptist Church in Louisville, KY in September of 1982.
Rev. Smith resigned and Rev. C.A. Richmond accepted the God's call.
In June of 1986, Rev. David E. Goatley assumed pastoral responsibilities for FBC. During his administration, he focused on evangelism, education, and missions. The Lord blessed the church to develop new outreach programs designed to reach more people for Christ; additionally, many capital improvements were made to the church facilities including the installment of padded pews in 1988.
In 1996, God graciously sent Rev. George P. Lee, III as pastor. Lee took the church to a new level. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, his leadership provided preaching, teaching, and studying the word of God. The Imani Community Center was dedicated in May 2003. The Imani Center provides recreational activities four youth and adults. Lee was also the Director of the First Hop Child Development Center; which was the first black owned daycare center in Campbellsville.
FBC acquired several surrounding properties including new office space for administrative facilities. Rev. Lee’s visions enabled members of FBC to experience new heights. The church traveled on foreign mission trips to Brazil and Mexico. God called Rev. Lee to continue His works at the St. John’s Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia.
On February 17, 2007 God called Rev. Daniel C. Shull as Pastor of First Baptist Church. Pastor Shull brings with him a vision to reach and teach the people of God.
On March 05, 2011, Reverend Walter D. Davis, IV was called to Pastor First Baptist Church of Campbellsville, in Campbellsville Kentucky.
God has continuously blessed the First Baptist Church for 163 years, and the Best is Yet to Come!!