First Baptist Church - Valdosta, GA

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THE BEGINNING: The first settlers came to South Georgia in 1821. First Baptist Church of Valdosta had its beginnings in Troupville over 150 years ago. Organization as a Missionary Baptist Church took place at the home of James O. Goldwire on June 21, 1840. First Baptist was originally constituted under the name of the Little River Baptist Church. There were seven charter members, two of whom were black.

THE EARLY YEARS: Worship services were held in homes and the Court House for some four years. Their new church building was completed in 1844 and given a new name, Troupville Baptist Church. In1842, $20 was subscribed for missions. Soon after, Central Church, "An Arm of the Church," was built about ten miles away. Slaves were among its members. In 1847, Ebenezer, another "Arm of the Church," was formed some twelve miles away.

THE MOVE TO VALDOSTA: The coming of railroads necessitated a move to the new town, Valdosta. In 1860-61, members dismantled their church building, including the church bell, and moved to the corner of Valley and Ashley Streets. About two years later, the building was wrecked by a storm, and for the next three to five years worship services were held in a school house. In 1863, the minutes refer to the church as the Baptist Church of Christ. From 1865 to 1907, it was called the Baptist Church of Valdosta.

THE SANCTUARY: In 1896, a new church building was built. A lot on Toombs Street between West Central Avenue and Valley Street, had been purchased and construction began. After four years, on November 18, 1900, the church was dedicated debt free, to the glory of God. Records do not indicate the cost, but by June 1893, a total of $13,000 was spent on the building. The children of the Sunday School classes brought one brick each and a fund-raising campaign in 1899 netted $6,000. The curly pine woodwork was donated by W.S. Fender. The stained glass in the windows is reputed to have come from Italy. On December 13, 1908, the Organ Committee recommended the purchase of a Pilcher organ, the maximum cost set at $3,000. Other buildings added were the Sunday School Annex to the Sanctuary in 1926 and the Children's Building and the Langdale Chapel in 1956.

LONG TENURE PASTORS: The official church history tells us that First Baptist has had some pastors who served for a number of years. The first pastor, Em. B. Cooper served fourteen years from 1840 to 1854. William H. Goldwire served fourteen years from 1854 to 1868. T. Baron Gibson served eighteen years from 1935-1953. James P. Rodgers had served fourteen years when he died of a heart attack in June of 1967. The twentieth pastor, James E. Pitts, served 23 years from 1967-1990. During Reverend Pitts' ministry, 2,942 people were received into fellowship of First Baptist. Delos Sharpton came to First Baptist Valdosta in August of 1991 and served as our pastor until November of 1999. Upon leaving First Baptist, Delos Sharpton took a position with Baptist Village in Waycross, Georgia where he now serves as president. Dr. Ches Smith served as our Interim Pastor from January of 2000 until July of 2001 as our Pastor Search Committee worked towards calling a pastor. After continuous prayer for God's will, our committee found the person God chose to be our next pastor. On the first of August 2001, Dr. Philip West was welcomed into our church family. Brother Phil came to us from First Baptist of Cochran, Georgia, and continues to serve as our Pastor today.