History

SINCE 1682

Over 335 Years of Sharing the Light of Christ

First Baptist Church, Charleston, the earliest Baptist church in the South was organized on September 25, 1682 in Kittery, Maine, under the sponsorship of the First Baptist Church of Boston. Late in 1696, the pastor William Screven, and 28 members of the Kittery congregation immigrated to Charleston, SC.

Genealogy Research

Often we are asked about marriages or burials. Unfortunately, due to several events of natural disaster, the only records we have available are included in the list above. You may wish to visit the South Carolina Historical Society  at 100 Meeting Street (Fireproof Building) for more research assistance.

Richard Furman c. 1820s
Richard Furman c. 1820s

Richard Furman was pastor at First Baptist and was instrumental in the building of the current sanctuary designed by Robert Mills. This painting was donated by The Belser Family (Furman's descendants) on the 330th Anniversary Sunday (September 30, 2012).

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c. early 1900s
c. early 1900s

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Easter Sunrise at The Battery
Easter Sunrise at The Battery

The annual Easter Sunrise service at the Battery began in 1997. Over 500 people (tourists and residents) attend this meaningful service celebrating the resurrection of Christ.

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Richard Furman c. 1820s
Richard Furman c. 1820s

Richard Furman was pastor at First Baptist and was instrumental in the building of the current sanctuary designed by Robert Mills. This painting was donated by The Belser Family (Furman's descendants) on the 330th Anniversary Sunday (September 30, 2012).

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Printable (PDF) History Brochure
Timeline (PDF)
1800s Burials (limited list)