Our History
A Legacy of Faith Since 1876
"This the Greater First Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant Plains, will stand as a bulwark of faith in years to come as it has stood the years past; a living monument of our Saviour who died that all men might live."
148 Years of Faithful Service
From humble beginnings in 1876 to the sanctuary we worship in today, The Greater First Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of faith, hope, and service in our community for nearly a century and a half.
Historical Timeline
The Beginning
In the year of 1876, a few of the emancipated slaves, feeling the need of religious guidance, met in the home of sister Charlotte Hamilton, Sherman Avenue, north of Kenyon Street, Mt. Pleasant Plains, and started a song and prayer class.
First Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant Plains
They built a frame mission on the corner of Sherman Avenue and Kenyon Street. This mission was given the name of the First Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant Plains in 1878.
Founding Deacons and Families
- Deacons Jerry Sykes and Samuel Lee
- Brothers Daniel Edmunds, Charles Whitty, and Samuel Smallwood
- Sisters Eliza Smallwood, Mary Payton, Bettie Barnes, and Maggie Barnes
Our Journey in Images
Our Home Since 1876
The church building that served as our spiritual home for generations.
Our New Home
A new chapter in our journey as a growing church community.
Legacy Statement
"Our prayer is that, this the Greater First Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant Plains, will stand as a bulwark of faith in years to come as it has stood the years past; a living monument of our Saviour who died that all men might live."
From our 1978 Centennial History
Be Part of Our Continuing Story
Join us as we continue the legacy of faith, service, and community that began in 1876.