Important Dates in the History of First Baptist Church, Warm Springs
- 1894 B. J. W. Graham (later a prominent Georgia Baptist leader) while a student at
Mercer University led in the constitution of the Bullochville Baptist Church. The
church is organized in the community school building that stood on the site of the
current pastorium. A quarter-time pastor, Rev. N. B. O'Kelley (he also served the
Hamilton Baptist Church), was called and 1,500.00dollars was subscribed for the
construction of a building.
- 1895 The first building used by this church is completed.
- 1900 The lot in the center of town was donated by the Bulloch family. The church
building had already been erected on the site.
- 1932 First Baptist Church of Warm Springs becomes a half-time church. The first
building is destroyed by fire and the current brick building is erected on the same
site. L. H. Wright is called as first half-time pastor, while a student at Mercer
University. He was later pastor of the Tattnall Square Church in Macon and the FBC
of Greenville, S. C.
- 1950's The church purchases a pastorium. It is still in use as a business and is
located diagonally across the street from the church.
- 1952 Thomas Preston becomes the first full time pastor of the First Baptist Church
of Warm Springs.
- 1968 The church purchases the property the current pastorium and part of the
annex building sits on.
- 1970 The loan to pay for the land is paid off, the old pastorium is sold for 10,000
dollars, bonds are issued by the church and construction of the current pastorium
begins.
- 1979 A study committee identifies several building needs including restrooms in
the church building and the construction of additional educational and fellowship
space.
- 1984-85 A metal building is erected but the interior is left unfinished.
- 1986 On December 1, Bob Patterson became pastor.
- 1987 An extensive renovation program begins in the brick building.
- 1989 The first floor of the metal building is finished and occupied.
- 1994 The rest of the first floor, the second floor of the metal building are finished
and a new connecting building is finished.
- 1994 The pastor preaches the Doctrinal sermon at the Georgia Baptist Convention
and the choir sings for the convention.
- 1995 A second morning worship service is added.
- 1997 The basement renovation project is completed. This completed project
began in 1987.
- 1998 Church adopts a mission statement “To model the life of Jesus to our
community” and a congregational nurse ministry begins.
- 1999 Dorcas ministry begins.
- 2000 The soccer ministry begins.
- 2001-2002 Central heat and air conditioning are installed in the fellowship hall.
The auditorium gets a total renovation.
- 2002 The church elects the first women to serve the church as deacons.
- 2004 The church parking lots are paved.
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