100 McDougald Ave, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
The church is located at the corner of Harris and McDougald streets in downtown Pine Mountain.
In 1886 a committee of rural Bethany Baptist Church reported to the congregation that it was “believed to be the duty of the church to build a Baptist church in Chipley.” A rural congregation in Harris county, met at its regular conference and voted to build a new Baptist church in the town of Chipley. Just over a year later a wooden building was completed, and on May 28, 1887 the new church building, “a good neat house, finished off nicely, and all paid for,” was dedicated. Just over 10 years later, however, that building was destroyed in April 1908, along with many other structures in rural Chipley, by a cyclone. On April 23rd, 1910, a new brick building was dedicated.
Two area churches, the New Life Baptist Church and the Hunter Road Baptist Church split out from the First Baptist Church.
From 1887 to the present there have been over 30 pastors. In later years they added a youth leader and a Minister of Music.
The 1910 building is the present sanctuary of the church. Classroom annexes have been built twice, and a large fellowship hall was added in 1983. This latest addition was a bittersweet improvement.. Prior to 1983 the “grove”, the large shady area on the north side of the church, was a gathering place for a variety of fellowship events, for covered dish luncheons, Vacation Bible School activities, picnics, reunions and wedding receptions.
In the 1950s and 60s there was an emphasis on youth programs including Sunbeams, Girl’s Auxiliary and Royal Ambassadors which met during the week. Later on the middle and high school students would meet with a youth leader for bible studies and mission projects and conferences.
Adult women also had a study group and supported the mission of the WMU. The men had a Brotherhood organization. These would meet on Wednesday evenings for a church meal and bible study.
Chipley Historical Center 