Timeline
– Begin.
Glorifying God
1825
First Baptist Jonesboro Began
First Baptist Jones began as Flint River Baptist Church on January 25, 1825, on three acres f land donated by Jesse Lasseter. Our fourteen charter members were led by William Moseley. In 1845, we were founding members of the Southern Baptist Convention when it formed in Augusta, Georgia.
1856
During the Civil War Battle of Jonesboro
the Union Army used the church belltower as a reference point to target Jonesboro. The 1859 building was destroyed by cannon fire in September 1864.
1893
Two churches were started
during this time. In the 1860’s, we established Flat Rock Baptist Church. Then in 1870, our church gave land to 23 of our black members to start Shiloh Baptist Church, which continues to flourish to this day.
Our church rebuilt
for the fourth time when the 1893 building was destroyed by fire.
A PLAN FOR GLOBAL MISSIONS
was created by our convention in 1925 called The Cooperative Program. We embraced this plan to train leaders and reach the world for Christ.
DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION
of 1929-1939, church members were encouraged to fast one meal a week and give the cost of the meal as a tithe. Pastors were often paid with food during this time.
OUR FIRST MISSIONARY
was sent to China. Reba Stewart served from February 1919 – July 1950, being imprisoned from 1942 – 1945. She became an inspiration for many who would follow her and serve on foreign fields.
1950
1961
THE NEXT FOUR DECADES
saw many new milestones, including the first education building, a recreation facility, a vibrant music ministry, and midweek discipleship programs. In 1955, the church was officially renamed First Baptist Church of Jonesboro.
– Strengthen.
making disciples
– Grow.
investing in others
COURAGEOUS STEPS OF FAITH
were taken during these years, resulting in Kingdom impact. This included the decision to build a 2,000+ seat sanctuary to support the growth produced by God’s hand.
EVANGELISTIC EMPHASES
inspired creative ways to reach people, including sports, seasonal music programs, and evangelistic events. We gave strong leadership to the Pregnancy Care Center and the Calvary Refuge Center for the homeless.
1980
1982
inspired creative ways to reach people, including sports, seasonal music programs, and evangelistic events. We gave strong leadership to the Pregnancy Care Center and the Calvary Refuge Center for the homeless.
THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION
of Jesus is the heart of the gospel. The cross, now prominently displayed in the foyer, has been a constant reminder of this truth since 1989.
1990
FIRE DESTROYED OUR 1922 SANCTUARY
in 2000, damaging the Fellowship Hall and Children’s Building. Out of the ashes arose a vision for what is now our Recreation Outreach Center, which also houses our Missions Ministry.
INTENTIONAL ENGAGEMENT OF OTHER CULTURES
has marked our church since 2000, both locally and around the world. As demographics changed in Jonesboro, so did our congregation. We began language services in Spanish, Vietnamese, Creole, Cambodian, Lao, and Thai.
2001
THE MISSIONS CENTER WAS ESTABLISHED
in 2005, giving a home to The Riley Medical Clinic and multiple care ministries. Life-transforming ministries for addiction recovery and Biblical counseling have also opened since that time.
2016
THE HOUSE OF PRAYER
was opened in 2016. It is located in the Gayden House built in the 1850’s, the first brick house in the area. Dr. Gayden was a medical doctor and member of our church.
2025
A NEW STRATEGY FOR WORLD MISSIONS
has taken us to all six inhabited continents of the planet. Teams have shared the gospel through medical clinics, construction projects, leadership development, disaster relief, and other ministry events. Planting churches in North America is a top priority.
– GO.
impacting the nations
– FAMILY.
better together
OUR MEDIA MINISTRY
is enhancing our communication of the gospel locally and around the world.
THE GOSPEL UNIFIES
our diverse congregation, making us one in Christ.
The Love of Christ Compels Us.