First Baptist Church of Hamilton

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about the First Baptist Church of Hamilton. Now settle in, because this story starts before there was much of anything out here at all. The earliest known religious work in Hamilton County came by way of a Baptist Elder named D.

S. Babb, who rode through preaching from 1867 to 1873. Six years of carrying the word across country that didn't have a lot to offer a preacher in the way of comfort.

But something took root. In 1873, a congregation was organized, and the marker gives us the names of the known charter members, so let's honor them: Colonel G. R.

Freeman, S. C. Messer, J.

P. Murphree, Mrs. Elizabeth Rice, Captain A.

H. Watson, and W. B.

West. Six names. Six people who decided this thing was worth making official.

The first pastor was the Reverend Dave White. Then in 1874 they joined the Leon River Baptist Association. Now here's the detail I want you to sit with.

The following year, 1875, this congregation of eighteen members gave twelve dollars to that association. Twelve dollars. You can argue about what that means any way you like, but those eighteen people gave what they had.

As for where they met, well, that's a little tour of Hamilton County history all by itself. First it was Captain Watson's box schoolhouse over at 305 East Henry. Then the Courthouse.

Then they borrowed time in the Presbyterian sanctuary. Three different roofs before they had their own. Finally, in 1896, the members built a native stone church.

Pulled it right out of the ground, you might say, native stone being about as local as local gets. And then, in 1971, the present structure was erected. From Elder Babb preaching to whoever would listen in 1867, to a congregation raising walls in stone in 1896, to a brand new structure standing in 1971.

That's one long unbroken line of people deciding, again and again, that this was worth continuing.

What the marker says

Outgrowth of earliest known religious work in this county--preaching by Baptist Elder D. S. Babb, 1867-73. Organized in 1873. Known charter members: Col. G. R. Freeman, S. C. Messer, J. P. Murphree, Mrs. Elizabeth Rice, Capt. A. H. Watson, and W. B. West. The first pastor was the Rev. Dave White. In 1874 joined the Leon River Baptist Association, to which in 1875 its 18 members gave $12. After meeting in Capt. Watson's box schoolhouse (305 East Henry), the Courthouse and the Presbyterian sanctuary, members in 1896 built a native stone church. Present structure was erected in 1971.