Our Story
Begin.
Glorifying God
1825
January 25, 1825
1825-28
William Mosley – Pastor
1828-31
John Landers – Pastor
1832-43
Robert M. Stell – Pastor
1840
Sunday School began under the leadership of Rev. Robert M. Stell was established.
1840
43 baptisms membership 156
1844-53
Joshua S. Callaway – Pastor
1845
SBC, Foreign Mission Board, Domestic Mission Board
1855
I.H. Corley – Pastor
1856-58
W. L. Tucker – Pastor
1858
Clayton County Created
1859
W.C. Wilkes – Pastor
1859-1864
1859
Incorporation of Jonesboro as a city
1860
Flatrock church plant started.
1860-86
Aaron E. Cloud served as pastor – second longest pastorate in church history.
1861-65
Civil War
1865
New church building located on the same site. It was later destroyed by a windstorm.
1868
Named changed to Jonesboro Baptist Church
1870
Our church gave land to 23 of our black members to start Shiloh Baptist Church, which continues to flourish to this day.
1872
Membership – 198
1887-88
J.L.D. Hillyer – Pastor
1889
A.E. Cloud returned as Pastor
1890
J.E. Powell – Pastor
1890
Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) organized
1891-96
Elam Culpepper
1893
New church building on same site as the previous two churches. It was destroyed by fire on Sunday, January 22, 1922
1895
Letter to Class No. 3
1897-99
F.M. Blalock – Pastor
1900
Lamar Sims – Pastor
1901
B.J.W. Graham – Pastor
1901
Membership – 222
1902
D.M. Pressley – Pastor
1903
B.D. Ragsdale – Pastor
1904-07
J.A. Edger – Pastor
1908-09
S.R.C. Adams – Pastor
1910-11
Elam Culpepper – returned as Pastor
1912-16
Spencer B. King – Pastor
1916
Christmas Card
1917
A.D. Woodle – Pastor
1914-18
World War I (USA 1917-18)
1918-19
R.C. Granberry – Pastor
1920-23
Rev. Hubert Massey became church’s first full time pastor
1920
The Baptist Light
weekly publication/newsletter began. Due to lack of funds, it was not printed for several years. Later the name changed to The Light. (ceased in 2019)
1921
Membership 303
1922
Calendar
1922
Baptist Light
1922
The church was destroyed by fire on January 22, 1922.
Although there was no insurance money, the members with faith and trust in God pledged to build an even greater building to show their love for Christ. The local school auditorium was used for meetings until the basement of the new building could be used. Men of church provided some of the labor to build. The building was later used for Sunday School and worship space for internationals and housed the Prayer Room. It was destroyed by fire on January 24, 2000
1922
Letter of regrets missing cornerstone placement of 1922 Building
1923
Baptist Light
1924
J.A. Riser – Pastor
1924
Calendar
1925-26
J. Henry Bush – Pastor
1925
A plan for global missions was created by our convention call The Cooperative Program. We embraced this plan to train leaders and reach the world for Christ.
1927-28
Y.T. Shehane – Pastor
1929-38
W.C. Sparkman – Pastor
1938-42
C.C. Buckalew – Pastor
1929-39
DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION
1939
Baptist Light – Rev. Massey returns to preach one Sunday
1939
Piano Need for Prayer Meetings
June 11, 1939
Campaign for Repair His House
1941
Christmas Program
1941
Church Staff and Officers Listing
1941
Budget
1919-1950
OUR FIRST MISSIONARY was sent to China.
1939-45
World War II (USA 1941-45)
1942
Listing of Men from Church Going to War
1942
Membership – 461
1943
“Our Boys” in Service
1943-50
W.B. Underwood – Pastor
1944
Civilian Defense Registration
1944
V Day Preparation
THE NEXT FOUR DECADES saw many new milestones, including the first education building, a creation facility, a vibrant music ministry, and midweek discipleship programs.
1945
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies
1947
Baptist Light – Helps in Winning to Christ
1948
An electric organ was purchased, and the church library was organized.
1949
Lovejoy Mission started
1950-52
Willis E. Joiner – Pastor
1951
An educational/recreational building with a fully equipped kitchen was built.
1952-54
Allen B. Comish – Pastor
1952
Vacation Bible School
1954
The first Minister of Music was hired – Rev. Bob Starnes
1955
July 3 Planning Committee Recommended for Future Building
1955
Name changed to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro
1955
Lovejoy Mission was organized into Lovejoy Baptist Church.
1955-57
John J. Buell – Pastor
January 1956
Letter from The Whaley’s – Missionaries to Japan
1956
Homecoming
May 1957
Pastor John Buell resigns
1957
July 17 Constitution Day for Lovejoy Baptist Church
1957
L.O. Griffith (Interim Pastor)
1957
June 30, 1957 Victory Day
1957
Revival
1957
Deacons
1958-59
Eugene Poston – Pastor
1959
Membership 852
1959
Dr. Poston Resigns
1959-60
L.O. Griffith (returned as Interim Pastor)
1959
Building Campaign Brochure for 1962 Building
1960-73
W.W. Long – Pastor
1962
Building – Groundbreaking for 1962 Building
1960
Vacation Bible School
1961
Membership – 986
1962
Construction Pictures
1962
Bond Program
1962
March 4 – Cornerstone Service
1962
Inaugural Services article
1962
Dr. Long in New Building
1962
New Church Building for Sunday worship with Education space was completed facing College Street.
1962
Alec Hopper – Minister of Music & Education is Called
1962
Choir Photo
1962
Church Staff
1963
President John F. Kennedy assassinated. 11/22/1963
1963
C.C. Buckalew returns for Revival Services
1964
Membership – 1,280
1965
(approx.) Choir Records Album
1966
Hugh Waddy Recognized
1967
Wednesday evening activities established – choir, children’s, missions, prayer meeting.
1967
Palmer Fletcher joins staff – Minister of Music and Youth
1968
Dr. Long Recognized
1969
First men to walk on the moon.
1969
July 13 – Ray Bowman accepts call as Minister of Education
1969
Church Library named for Mrs. L.E. Oliver – church Secretary
1969
Crusade of Americas
1969
Ray Bowman joins staff
1970
World Mission Conference
1970
Membership – 1,581
1970
Youth Musical “Tell It Like It Is”
1971
Reba Stewart’s 86th Birthday
1971
1971
March – Dr. Long 11th Anniversary
1971
Lottie Moon Offering
1972
Palmer Fletcher Resigns
1972
Happy Birthday to Reba Stewart
1973
Dr. W. W. Long retires
1973-2000
Charles Q. Carter – Pastor
1973
September 9 – Come Together Youth Musical
1974
Worship
1974
February 3 – Dillard Wilbanks – Minister of Education
(picture pending)
1974
June 30 – Jeff Holder- Ministry to Youth
(picture pending)
1974
Fletchers Appointed Missionaries to Okinawa
1974
Together We Build Campaign for Education Building and Christian Activities Building
1975
February – Dillard Wilbanks – first anniversary
1975
April 13 – Jeff Holder Ordination (later Missionary to Botswana)
(picture pending)
1975
July – Irvin Pearre – Minister of Music
(picture pending)
1975
November 2 -Church Celebrates 175 Anniversary and Dedication of Christian Activities Building
1975
Christian Activities Building Completed – now Fellowship Hall
1975
Church Brochure
Strengthen.
Making Disciples
Grow.
Investing in Others
1976
Membership – 2,210
1976
January 18 – Larry Lawrence – Minister of Activities and Youth
1976
August – Irvin Pearre’s first anniversary
1977
Fletchers – Missionaries to Okinawa – guests & Hiding Place movie
1977
February 6 – Larry Lawrence first Anniversary – Minister to Students
1978
March 19 – Choir present “Alleluia”
1978
November 2 – Garry & Kathy Eudy Missionary Appointees to Panama
1978-79
A Profile of Progress
1978
December 3 – Ned & Gail Mann Commission – Missionaries to Brazil
1979
May 20 Youth Choir Presents “Celebrate Life” & Building Plans Presented
1979
April 8 Choir Presents “Living Witnesses”
1979
March 25-28 Vance Havner & Martha Branham – Revival
1980
March 20 Ed Hoard joins staff as Associate Pastor/Minister of Evangelism
1980
(approx) Music Ministry Album
1980
April 27 High Sunday School Records Broken Again – 1,547
1980
New Fellowship Hall/Children’s Building Completed
1980
Christmas issue of The Light with Church Staff
1981
January – Dillard Wilbanks returns as Minister of Education
1981
December Choir Presents Handels “Messiah”
1981
September 27 Dedication of New Organ
1982
First Living Christmas Tree program
1982
Orchestra Ministry Began
1982
April – Kevin Moore – Minister of Youth
1982
May Revival – Ralph Langley & Russel Newport
1982
Membership – 3,441
1983
January 1, 1983 official birthday of the Internet
1983
The Light showing High Attendance Records
1983
April – Recap of Dr. Carter’s 10th Anniversary
1983
June – Lucy Clark 20th Anniversary as Organist
1983
October Friend Day – Dr. Roy Honeycutt preaching
1983
December Construction of Living Christmas Tree
1984
April Sunday School High Attendance 2,307
1984
April – Counseling Ministry Begins
1984
September – Crusade of Faith
1984
November 4 All Church Banquet at Airport Marriott Grand Ballroom – Kick Off Campaign for Worship Center
1984
December – Living Christmas Tree Program
1984
List of Properties owned by the Church
1985
March Easter Music “I Am…Jesus”
1985
Celebration of Dillard Wilbanks & Irvin Pearre 10th Anniversaries
1985
September – Crusade of Faith
1984
March 29 – Tying Pulpits Together from Chapel Building to new Worship Center
(3 more pictures pending)
COURAGEOUS STEPS OF FAITH were taken during these years, resulting in Kingdom growth. This included the decision to build a 2,000+ seat sanctuary to support the increase produced by God’s hand.
1985
October 6, 1985 Worship Center Groundbreaking
1985
Laotian Congregation began – Ky Keopinsavang, Pastor
1985
Membership – 4,611
1986
Worship Center Construction
1986
March 2 – On The Beam Sunday – members sign steel beam
1986
December Living Christmas Tree
1987
February – Marcie Creech – Minister to Children
1987
The Worship Center was completed. Seats 2,000+ Also choir suite, office complex and Welcome Center/St. James Place
1987
W.W. Long named Pastor Emeritus April 1987 until his death October 1992
1987
April 7 – Worship Center Dedication
1987
New Hymn Books for Worship Center
1987
May 3 – The Gaither in Concert
1987
July 5 – Celebrate America
(need date)
December Living Christmas Tree
1987-2000
Mission Teams built churches in;
1988
Membership – 5,180
1988
January 10 Celebrate 100 Years of WMU and guest, John and Trudy (Cathy) White – Missionaries to Brazil
1988
February 5 – Ben Pritchett, Minister of Education/Program Coordinator
1989
March 12 and 19 “Crucified with Christ” Emphases
1988
April 3 – Easter Sunday Evening Service – Choir “Thou Art Worthy”
1988
August 14 – Dino in Concert
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 Cener for the homeless.
1988
Sample of Bulletin with 5 Churches – Fellowship of Excitement
1988
August 21 – Recommission Missionaries Ned & Gail Mann and Language Missions Day
1988
October 2 Singles Center Opens (now International Bldg.)
1988
October 30 Frontier Day Promo
1989
October – Wayne Edwards – Associate Pastor/Outreach
1989
Choir Photo (need to verify date)
1989
December Christmas Staff Photos
1990
January – Larry Lawrence returns as Minister of Students
1990
April – Sunday School High Attendance 3,148
1990
Decade of Difference Presented – Themes for next Ten Years
1990
Church Brochures
1990
Dedication of 54 Rank Reuter Pipe Organ in Worship Center
1990
February – Gary Lewis – Summer Pastoral Intern
1990
August – Irvin Pearre – 15th Anniversary
1990
September Revival with Junior Hill and Rick Stone
1990
December – Living Christmas Tree
1991
The church began its “Decade of Difference”
1991
March 24 – Choir presents “Glorious Lamb of God”
1991
July 21 – Dr. Wells Riley Retired – Our Riley Clinic is named for him.
1991
December 1 – 5 Foreign Mission Week – Eudys and John White guests
1991
Set Free through the SON in the Sumer of ‘91 Campaign
1992
January Dr. W.R. and Mrs. Frances Simmone begin Homebound Ministry
1992
VBS Offering Builds a Well in India
1992
September 6Jack Pickel – Minister of Pastoral Care/Outreach
1992
September 20 – Pastor Emeritus Dr. Long Recognized
1992
November 22 new Kawai Piano Dedication
1992
December – Staff
1992
April 4 – Record Sunday School Attendance 4,193 exceeded population of Jonesboro and Celebration of Pastor Charles Carter’s 20th Anniversary
1993
April 4 – Dr. Carter’s 20th Anniversary
1993
Ariel Photo
1993
August – Early Learning Center – National Accreditation
1993
September 12 – 19 Crusade of Faith
1994
April – Wayne Gerhardt – Minister of Childhood Education
1994
July 3 – Celebrate America Program
1994
September – Dual Sunday Schools
1994
July 10 – Note Burning on Worship Center Debt
1994
Membership – 6,227
1994
December- Living Christmas Tree Program
1995
August – Irvin Pearre – 20th Anniversary
1995
Church Brochure
1995
April 23 – Dr. W. A. Criswell pulpit guest
Photo Dr. Carter with Dr. Criswell
1995
September – Jim Dorriety – Minister of Pastoral Care & Jim Millirons Minister of Outreach/Evangelism
1995
December – Living Christmas Tree
1996
May 26 – Dr Billy Kim – Pulpit Guest
1996
April 28 – Garry Eudy – Associate Pastor/Administration
1996
Olympic Torch Comes Through Jonesboro
1996
1962 Auditorium converted into two story building 1st Floor Chapel; 2nd Floor Education Space – moved in 9/29/1996
1996
November 24 – Jim Van Matre – Minister of Music
1996
December 13-16 – Living Christmas Tree
Late 1990’s Photo
1997
March – Easter
1997
April 20 – 10th Anniversary of Worship Center
1997
July 20 – Chris White –Minister to Students
1997
Cambodian Congregation began
1997
International Mission Board / North American Mission Board
1997
September 21 – Pastor’s Proposal for the Future of Church – Retirement Plans for Dr. Carter presented
1998
March – Ed Manderson – Director of Orchestra & Media
1998
April 19 – Celebration of Dr. Carter’s 25th Anniversary
1998
June 28 – All American Day
1998
July 26 – Dr. Al Mohler and Dr. Richard Blackaby to preach
1998
November – Bobby Bragg – Minister of Education/Program Coordinator
1998
Christmas – Grand Foyer
1998
Reflections
1999-2007
Dean Haun – Pastor
1999
June 6 – 24 Hour Prayer for New Pastor/Garry Eudy Resigns
1999
October 3 – Vision Sunday
1999
December – Living Christmas Tree Program
1999
December 12 – Alyson Walker – Minister to Preschool
1999
December 23 – Atlanta Journal Constitution Article
1989
March 12 – “Crucified with Christ”
emphasis – newly constructed stainless steel cross available for congregation to use metal engravers to put their names on the cross.
The cross reminds us of His substitutionary death – – died in our place.
Constructed of stainless
symbolizes purity (stainless) and permanence (steel).
Simple design
symbolizes simplicity of the gospel.
Amethyst on transverse
symbolizes royalty of King.
Circle
symbolizes the world.
Personal signatures
symbolizes universal reach of the gospel for all ages, races, cultures, etc. “There’s room at the cross for you.”
The Cross
Go.
Impacting the Nations
2000
January 24 – Fire destroyed 1922 building and significant damage to fellowship hall and children’s building. Out of the ashes rose a vision for what is now our Recreation Outreach Center, which also houses our Missions Ministry.
2000
January 23 – Deron Cobb – Associate Pastor/Minister to Young Families
2000
Church presented with Vision 2020
2000
Vietnamese Congregation began
2000
March 26 – Dr. Charles Carter – 27 years of Ministry and named Pastor Emeritus
2000
March 30 – News Daily Article
2000
April 23 – Choir presents “It Took a Lamb”
2000
June 4 Philip Nation – Minister to Single Adults (later began Minister of Education)
2000
June 7 – Dean Haun’s 1st Anniversary
2000
June 25 – Choir presents “Experiencing God – the Musical”
2000
Brochure – A Family of Ministries
2000
August – Church Celebrates 175th Anniversary (missing some scans)
2000
November – Dr. Lanny Loe – Associate Pastor/Missions
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 service in Spanish, Vietnamese, Creole, Cambodian, Lao and Thai.
2001
September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks USA – 4 coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks with 2,977 people killed
2001
Hispanic Congregation Began
2001
April 12 – Advance Commitment Dinner – Building Campaign – Venture Continues – for Recreation Outreach Center
2001
June 24 – Groundbreaking for Recreation Outreach Center
2001
February 23 – Harvest Sunday Revival with Junior Hill
2001
October 14 – Opening of Mission Jonesboro
2001
December – Living Christmas Tree
2002
February – Justin Hillhouse – Student Ministries Associates
2002
September 21 – Lisa Beamer
2002
June – Recreation Outreach Center Completed
2002
May 16 – Recreation Outreach Thank You Banquet for City Officials
2002
November 10 – Prayer Summit with Dr. Henry Blackaby
2002
December – Staff Christmas Photo
2002
Year in Review
2003
Face Book and My Space launch
2003
June 1 – Larry Lawrence returns – Minister of Students
2003
July 12 – Dr. Henry Blackaby preaches
2003
October – Roger Allen – Minister to Middle School later Local Missions
2003
December 7 – Ministry Center Groundbreaking
2003
December 12 – Wilbert Michel begins Haitian ministry
2004
June – Dean Haun Celebrates 5th Anniversary
2004
July 25 – Jim VanMatre resigns
2004
July – 40 Days of Prayer for America
2004
World Mission Conference/List Missions Staff
2004
December 19 – Rick Stone – Associate Pastor/Minister of Music (began March 6, 2005)
2005
Missions Center Established in Terrace Level of Recreation Outreach Center (17,000 square foot conversion of underground parking deck.) New home for Riley Medical Clinic, Celebration Room, Mission Staff Offices and Bible study classrooms.
2005
Hurricane Katrina
2005
Membership 7,510
2005
Members of Eastside Baptist Church united with our congregation
2005
Biker Church, Hip Hop Church, Messianic Fellowship Added and Gilbert Fields – Minister of Outreach
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.
2006
Happy New Year – Staff Photo
2007
April – Tom Lynn – Minister of Instrumental Music
2007
November – Dean Haun resigns
2007
Debut of the iPhone
2008
Mike Minnix – Transitional Preacher
2008
Present Mel Blackaby – Pastor
2008
November 16 – Bo Stevens – Associate Pastor of Discipleship
2009
December – 25th Anniversary of Living Christmas Tree
2010
2010
March – Aerial Picture
2010
Reaching Generations
2010
Jason Hand – Minister to Children & Preschool
2010
Mike Blackaby – Minister to Singles
2010
July 11 – Renovation of Worship Center and Administration Buildings
2011
Scott Allred – Associate Pastor/Minister of Music
2011
2011
Glen Howe – Associate Pastor/Discipleship
2011
Church Mission Statement
2011
July 3 Freedom by Choir & Orchestra
2012
Renovation of Christian Activities Building to new Fellowship Hall
2013
August 4 – Mel Blackaby’s 5th Anniversary
2013
August 25 – Lucy Clark 50th Anniversary as Organist
2014
April – Remember & Rejoice – Easter
2014
October/November – Missions Emphases
2014
December 12-14 – “Gloria” by Choir & Orchestra
2015
Five Men Licensed to Ministry
2016
THE HOUSE OF PRAYER was opened.
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.
- House was originally built by Dr. Frances Thompson Gayden in the 1850’s. (His wife’s name was, Martha)
- This house is recognized as being the first brick house in Jonesboro and a good example of Greek Revival architecture used at that time. The main body of the house is square in shape and features the usual center hall and flaking rooms (the entrance hall was later incorporated into the parlor). The exterior brick walls were covered with stucco and scored to resemble rectangular building stones. The original Greek Revival portico was small in size and was designed to provide a covered entrance for the front door rather than to serve as a sitting porch.
- Dr. Gayden was a medical doctor and a trustee of the church.
- The fourth unit from Clayton County was the “Clayton Dragoons,” a Calvary company organized in October 1861 under the command of Captain (Dr.) Francis Thompson Gayden. The “Clayton Dragoons” became Company F of the 2nd Georgia Calvary and served in Tennessee under General Nathan Bedford Forrest. In 1864, the 2nd Georgia Calvary came under the command of General Joseph Wheeler and fought in the Georgia Campaign. After the fall of Atlanta, the regiment was assigned to duty in front of Sherman’s March through Georgia and the Carolinas. Captain Gayden was succeeded in his command in 1862 by Captain William Hardy Chapman.
- Dr. Gayden was instrumental in preserving significant homes in Jonesboro during the Civil War by designating them hospitals for the wounded. (Note the Battle of Jonesboro was August 31 – September 1, 1864).
- The house was sold in 1873 to Williams Sims. Dr. Gayden was then living in Rankin County, Mississippi. The house passed by marriage and inheritance into the Lee Webb family. House was known as the Gayden-Sims-Webb House.
2018
July – Dr. Mel Blackaby’s 10th Anniversary
2018
Hinton Harris Retired for Pastoral Ministries
2020-21
COVID
2023
Biblical Counseling Center established
2024
Medical Mission Trip
2025
Vietnam Mission Trip
2025
7 Pastors
2025
Canvas Church Baptism
2025
Haiti – School
2025
Malawia baptism
Look at us now
One Church: four campuses and seven languages
“The love of Christ compels us” 2 Corinthians 5:14
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 American is a top priority.
OUR MEDIA MINISTRY has enhanced our communication of the gospel locally and around the world.
THE GOSPEL UNIFIES our diverse congregation, making s one in Christ.
To learn more about our church today and how you can be involved,