In 1823, the state legislature appointed William Hawthorn a Commissioner to select the location for a county seat in Decatur County and arrange for the construction of a courthouse and a jail.  He and the other commissioners selected the spot occupied by Fort Hughes on the Flint River.  Early church services for all denominations were held in the courthouse.  In 1830 the Methodist built a house of worship that was used by the Presbyterians and the Baptist.  A new building was built in 1840. 

The religious climate in Bainbridge at that time was very cold.  In 1852 revival took place at a protracted meeting of the Methodist that had a vast affect on the entire town.  Another new Methodist church was birthed and in 1854 both the Baptist and Presbyterians built their own houses of worship.  The Missionary Baptist Church of Bainbridge was organized in 1852. 

The four hallmarks of this early congregation :

*the necessity of individual conversion,

* the necessity of a redeemed church membership

* faith-immersion onlyConly professing believers, are to be baptized, and that

   baptism is to be by total immersion 

* radical religious liberty.

These tenants are still held  today.

For a complete history of the church you may contact the church office for a copy of

OUR SPRING, by Dr. Leroy Spinks, Pastor from 1993-2005.

My name is Eldon Eckard.  My wife Linda and I have been members of First Baptist Church of Bainbridge for about 12 years.  Over the years, we have seen the First Baptist Church grow into a dynamic church that can best be described by a series of adjectives.  First Baptist is a friendly, caring, reaching, and teaching church.  These adjectives apply to First Baptist because the people of First Baptist love the LORD and His Word, and they love people.  I have noticed that there is a concern about the physical and spiritual needs of one another within the church, and also those outside the church.  Another thing I have observed about First Baptist is the great emphasis on missions, both local and foreign.  The missions emphasis is not just on giving and praying but on going and being involved in mission work.

We are Harold and Carolyn Kelley.  We moved to Bainbridge in 1965 from Panama City, Florida.  We visited several churches and decided First Baptist had the most friendly people.  We felt welcome on our first visit and moved our membership from St. Andrews Baptist.  We had two children who were nurtured and grew to know the LORD through Sunday School, Training Union, RA's, GA's, and Vacation Bible School.  They have continued to love the LORD and serve Him as they have families of their own.  First Baptist has a place of worship and service for all ages.  We invite you to join our fellowship.  We have family meals on Wednesday nights followed by prayer meeting and Bible study, Children's activities, and choirs for all ages.  We look forward to meeting you as we worship together and minister to others in Bainbridge and around the world.  We have mission trips to Africa and Honduras.  We have opportunities for everyone...