History
The dynamic church that is today First Baptist rose from humble beginnings. In the early part of World War II, many churches west of present-day Richmond Hill were disbanded when the government purchased a large portion of Bryan County for military training purposes. Many people from these churches resettled in the Richmond Hill area. These people brought with them rich religious beliefs and soon felt a need to meet and worship together. Prayer meetings were held in homes, the school, and the courthouse.On February of 1942, the Richmond Hill Baptist Church was formally organized. The church called Reverend Arthur Harrison as its first pastor. A local businessman, Bennie Warshaw, donated the first piece of property on Highway 144. The first church building was completed on this property in March of 1946, and a formal dedication was held on March 31, 1946.
Through the years, the church has enjoyed much growth and propriety. The name was changed to First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill. The church grew tremendously during the 1980's with Reverend Ted Hodges serving as Pastor. As a result of the growth, the church purchased additional land and began construction of a new worship center in which the first service was held on December 16, 1990.
In September of 1998, Pastor Michael Lewis was called as senior pastor. In that year First Baptist took a leap of faith by adopting a Master Plan for Development for the future of the church. The plan incorporates a gradual, logical expansion of the church's worship, education, social, recreation, and parking facilities to meet the needs of this vibrant church. In May of 1998, First Baptist purchased 20 additional acres of land adjoining current landsite development for the next 20 years. In November of 1998 the members committed to give $1.1 million over a three-year period toward the building of a new educational and fellowship facility. On September 10, 2000, the church held Sunday School in the new 18,000 square foot Educational/Fellowship Building along with a complete commercially equipped kitchen.
In March of 2004, Pastor Keith Joseph was called as First Baptist's senior pastor, and the church anticipated continued explosive growth of their current membership, changing lives, focusing hearts on God. Hearts and minds of the body were focused on plans to "arise and build" a Family Life Center to minister to the many families in the Richmond Hill area.
On March of 2006, First Baptist Church Richmond Hill broke ground on an approximately 31,000 square foot, Family Life Center. The completed project cost estimate was $3.5 million and the members committed to give sacrificially. The building plan includes: a basketball gym/AWANA game pad, with 180-seat bleachers, lockers, restrooms, break room, 20 classrooms, five office spaces, and an enclosed connector to the current Fellowship Hall area. On September 30th, 2007, the building was dedicated to the purpose of reaching generations to come with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other facility like this in the Richmond Hill area and it will give First Baptist Church Richmond Hill a great opportunity to connect with the community and therefore teach and reach them for Christ.
First Baptist is "The Church at Richmond Hill" and as such desires to love God and love people through lifestyle development and demonstration!