FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY

First Baptist Church was organized in May 1863 by a group of dedicated and spiritually minded individuals. Their meetings were initially held in a private residence—the home of the great-great-grandparents of some of our current members. This two-story dwelling, which still stands at 117 West Center College Street in the Village of Yellow Springs, served as the foundation for what would become a longstanding faith community.

This small yet committed group of Christians chose the theme "One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism" as they embarked on their journey to establish a church. Through great sacrifice, in 1876, the members were able to purchase an edifice that was formerly the Presbyterian Church. This building, now the former First Baptist Church, was located at the corner of Xenia Avenue and Whiteman Street.

Led by Reverend Richard Herod, the first minister, alongside early members such as Mr. Wilson Morgan, Mrs. Judy Morgan, and Mrs. Hannah Donohue, the congregation worked tirelessly to sustain their church. Many were forced to sell food, livestock, and crops to raise funds for the payments. According to deeds signed in 1869, some of the first trustees finalized the purchase under the name "Anti-Slavery Baptist Church." The duration of this name’s use remains unclear.

In preparation for the church's centennial celebration, historian and Central State College professor Mrs. Wilhelmina Robinson conducted interviews with elder members. They recalled the church being referred to as Zion Baptist at one point. Some speculate that a split may have occurred within the congregation, as evidenced by a large stone uncovered at the site of the demolished (Colored) Odd Fellow Hall, which bore the initials "E.B.C.," possibly standing for Ebenezer Baptist Church. Though this remains unconfirmed, what is clear is that the congregation ultimately unified under the name First Baptist Church.

A church thrives on the dedication of its members, and that commitment has been evident throughout First Baptist Church’s history. The Sunday School played a vital role, serving as a learning ground where formerly enslaved individuals gained literacy skills. Early records indicate that professors and ministers from Antioch College taught Sunday School classes. Established in 1863 as the Colored Sabbath School, it was later reorganized and renamed The Judson Sunday School, after the literature sourced from Judson Press.

One of the Sunday School’s most significant contributions was the introduction of the Calendar Tea in 1959, held in conjunction with Black History Week. Now an annual event, it has fostered community fellowship for over four decades.

Various church clubs were established to support and sustain the congregation. The first was The Ideal Church Aid Society, a pattern that continues today with ministries such as the Greeters (formerly Ushers), Missionary Society, Deacon and Deaconess Ministry, Youth Group, AWANA, and Choirs.

In the early 1950s, a building fund was established to finance the church’s growing needs. Significant renovations followed, including basement construction, balcony remodeling, and the installation of a baptismal pool used by neighboring churches. During the 1980s, central air conditioning was installed, along with new kitchen equipment. A Transportation Committee was also formed, resulting in the purchase of a 15-passenger church van.

With continued growth, the church formed a Building Fund Committee to work alongside the Building Committee. In July 1982, First Baptist Church purchased land at the corner of King and Dayton Street with the goal of constructing a new church building. At an official church meeting in 1987, the Deacon Board, chaired by Deacon Harvey Roberts, recommended moving forward with the construction. Under the leadership of Pastor James A. Nooks, construction began in January 1997. Deacon Harvey Roberts' unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in seeing the project through.

After 134 years at the Xenia Avenue location, the church held a final farewell service on August 17, 1997. Members gathered at 9:30 AM and departed at 10:00 AM, walking together to their newly completed church building. The morning service included music by the Mass Choir of First Baptist Church, followed by an open house with guided tours. The event concluded with the unveiling of the cornerstone at 4:00 PM. The official dedication took place on September 21, 1997, with Pastor Vurn O. Mullins as the guest proclaimer.

In recognition of this milestone, the Village of Yellow Springs issued a proclamation declaring the week of August 23, 1997, as "First Baptist Week." The proclamation commended the congregation for their faith and commitment, affirming their continued role in promoting moral and spiritual values in the community.

Following in the footsteps of the church’s founders, members made generous contributions to the new building, donating items such as pews in honor of family members, stained glass windows, and bricks to complete the fellowship hall exterior.

Today, First Baptist Church continues to nurture future generations through programs such as AWANA, where young people are taught the Word of God in a supportive environment led by church members.

Throughout its history, First Baptist Church has been led by many dedicated ministers, beginning with Reverend Richard Herod and now under the leadership of Dr. William Randolph. In 2012, after a thorough selection process led by the Pulpit Committee with assistance from the Regional Minister from ABC/Ohio, Pastor William E. Randolph, Jr. was chosen to serve as the church’s spiritual leader. He delivered his first sermon on October 7, 2012, and was officially installed as pastor on November 11, 2012.

For over 160 years, First Baptist Church has remained steadfast in faith, service, and community outreach. As we honor our past, we continue to look forward with gratitude and dedication to the future of our church and its mission.