CHURCH
HISTORY
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
The church came into being as the “Claremont Missionary Baptist Church” on November 15, 1953, with 22 charter members present, who previously held services in a small building on main street but met in the auditorium of the Claremont School to organize as a Baptist Church in1954 and to become the First Baptist Church to serve the Claremont community. The church later procured land on South Depot Street, completing the basement area to conduct its first services in 1955.
The parsonage was built in July 1958, where Rev. James Atnip and his family resided. The Fellowship/recreation hall was built in the early 1960’s.
In August 1973, plans to build a new sanctuary on top of the basement were implemented. Once construction was completed, the first services in the new sanctuary were held on the first Sunday in June 1974.
In 1997, Michael Craver was hired as the first youth director. He was later ordained in 2002 and served till 2005 as the churches Associate pastor. Later, Pastor Jerry Teague served as the churches Associate pastor till his passing in 2020.
In 2000, plans were drawn up for the new expansion for an educational wing, fellowship hall, and additional expansion to the sanctuary. Groundbreaking started in 2001. On May 3, 2002, the church held a dedication service for the completed additions.
PASTORAL HISTORY
The following are our pastors that have served this church over the years.
Rev. James Sigmon served as pastor from the start in 1953 till he resigned in March 1958. Rev. James Atnip served as Interim Pastor and was called as full-time Pastor in May 1958 until he resigned in September 1959. Rev. Hampton Scronce was called as Pastor in October1959 and served till April 1962. In May 1962, Rev. Richard Hollifield became Pastor and served until the Autumn of 1965. He was succeeded by Rev. V.C. Martin in November 1965 and served till his passing in May 1981. In June 1981, Rev. Ernest Robinson was called to serve as Interim. In May 1982, Rev. Kenneth Lynch was called as Pastor till he resigned in March 1983. In April 1983, Rev. Blaine Grose became Interim Pastor and in May 1983 the Pastor until his retirement in May 1987. Rev. Albert Young was called Interim in June 1987 till 1988. In May 1988 Rev. Dennis Richards was called as Pastor until his passing in December 2023, serving for 35 years as the longest serving Pastor of First Baptist Church.
Our current Pastor, Rev. Charles Beaucond III, started as Interim Pastor in September 2024 and became our current full time Pastor in November 2024.