A Brief History of First Baptist Church of Potosi

Times have changed in many ways over the last one hundred and seventy years. One wonders what it would have been like to be present at the organization of the First Baptist Church in Potosi, on Saturday, August 4, 1832. Certainly the mode of transportation would have been different than today. The dress of the parishioners has changed a great deal as well. But the purpose for meeting together hasn't changed at all. First Baptist Church of Potosi began as a group of people meeting together to worship the Lord and reach others with His love. First Baptist Church of Potosi still meets together with the same goals in mind. The year following the organization of First Baptist, on August 21, 1833, William Milam donated and deeded a 35 by 60 foot lot at the corner of Mine and Breton Streets for the purpose of erecting a building for Divine worship. In 1834, First Baptist had about thirty members. According to Goodspeed's "History of Washington County," the members at Potosi were constructing their church building at that time. Records show that the deed was recorded on April 20, 1836.

From about 1842 until the end of the century First Baptist Church of Potosi, like many churches, experienced many hardships. With the Civil War tearing families and churches apart and the hard times financially of those days, there were spans of time that the church went without meeting for many months. She was without a pastor for several years. That first little brick building of First Baptist was demolished in 1913. The Presbyterian church allowed the members of First Baptist to hold services in their old building until a new one could be completed. By September 2, 1916, the church assembled in her new building.

The early eighteen-nineties brought a welcome revival of the membership of First Baptist. The church experienced a good deal of growth. In 1934 records show 193 members. Then came another hurdle to overcome. On January 8, 1935 the building of First Baptist Church of Potosi was almost destroyed by fire. The January 10th issue of the Independent Journal reads "The fire was discovered about midnight and before it could be checked the interior was in flames…The origin of the fire is unknown. No insurance was carried. Our Baptist friends had their church paid for and nicely equipped and have a large membership. The loss is a great one. We trust the way can be found to rebuild in the near future." By the grace of God and the generosity of many, the church did rebuild at the same location. It is recorded that many in the city donated time and resources to assist in the rebuilding process. Once again the Presbyterian Church allowed the use of their old building.

What began as a search for property to build a parsonage became more. In 1950 the parsonage was completed. Then in 1953, under the leadership of Pastor W. R. Speer, the church decided to relocate. Money was raised for the building of a new church facility next door to the parsonage. It is at this same location that First Baptist Church of Potosi was found until 2006.

February 15, 1953 was the date of the dedication and note burning on the parsonage and a date set aside for the raising of funds for the new church building.

Although years have come and gone since the completion of the building in 1955, many of the members that were present in that first service in the "new" facilities are still members today. On May 15, 2005 First Baptist Church celebrated a groundbreaking for their new facilities on P Highway.

Sunday, December 10, 2006 marked the long awaited day as over 600 individuals came together to worship in the new building.

Many things change through the passing of time but the call of God to reach and minister to people is still the same. First Baptist Church of Potosi has a rich heritage and a bright future. Pastor Jamie Haguewood wishes to invite you to attend any time you can. For information about church service times or ministries call the church office at (573) 438-2389.