STAUNTON, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

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1853

If any church could be called the "rrother church" of the Augusta Association, it would have to be the First Baptist Church of Staunton, whose history has certainly been a long and glorious one.

For many years the only Baptist residing in or near Staunton was a man by the name of Anderson, the beloved and trusted slave of Simpson F. Taylor. It was Anderson's earnest prayer that he might live to see a Baptist church established in Staunton.

In 1834, the General Association appointed a committee to secure a "suitable man for the field," and in 1836, Elder Zenas Freeman was sent as a missionary. Unfortunately, he was unable to "generate enough interest" to establish a church

at that time, and he left because of poor health. Another missionary was sent to Augusta and Nelson counties in 1849, and still another by the Goshen

Association in 1852. Finally, Anderson's prayers were answered when the staunton Baptist Church was organized on October 16, 1853, with 7 to 29 whites and about 40 blacks. Both Anderson and his master were constituent members. The General Association met with the church for its first session west of the Blue Ridge, on May 31, 1860.

The largest congregation to come into the Augusta Association in 1876, the Staunton church has continued to have awesome numbers, reaching its zenith in the 1950's, when membership averaged well over 1,600. In fact, since 1947, when 101 baptisms were reported for that year, membership has generally stayed above 1,000.

But the history of the church has also been charactized by sending and going. It began in 1868, when letters of dismissal were granted to black members to organize Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Financial aid and assistance were also given to

Ebenezer Baptist Church.

In 1884, assistance was given in establishing the Baptist church in Greenville, and, in 1949, the Baptist church at Fishersville. Through the financial aid and spiritual leadership of First Baptist, three more churches were organized in Staunton--Linden Heights, Calvary, and Memorial.

First Church of staunton has indeed been a pioneer in many areas of Baptist work. Although it has been served by many outstanding pastors, two of

the most notable in the denomination were Dr. George Boardman Taylor, who was one of the first missionaries to Italy, and Dr. James M. Frost, who organized the first Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and became its first

secretary.

In 1923, the church sent relief to Russia in the form of clothing valued at $274 and $30 in cash. It has led the way in the Valley in television ministry, ministry to the deaf, and ministries in area correctional facilities.

If the saying is true about history repeating itself, then First Baptist Church of Staunton can look forward to many more challenges and accomplishments in the Lord.