130 Years of God's Faithfulness
First Baptist Church East Martinsville traces its roots to 1896, when a small group of believers began gathering for worship in an old school building in the Camp Branch section of Henry County. United by faith and a desire to serve God, they organized as St. Philippi Church and laid the foundation for what would become a lasting spiritual home in the East Martinsville community.
Under the leadership of Rev. William F. Geter, part of the congregation later moved to East Martinsville, worshiping for a time beneath a “bush harbor” near the area where Routes 57 East and 58 East now merge. In 1921, the church purchased land and changed its name from St. Philippi to First Missionary Baptist Church. Though early church buildings were twice destroyed by fire, the faith of the congregation remained strong. Each time, the members rebuilt and continued worshiping together.
One beloved memory from those early years is the little white church and its bell, whose ringing could be heard throughout the neighborhood. That bell remains a treasured part of the church’s history and a reminder of the faith, perseverance, and community spirit that have carried First Baptist forward for generations.
In 1945, the congregation voted to build a more modern church facility, which was completed in 1952. Over the years, the building was expanded and renovated as the ministry continued to grow. First Baptist has been blessed by the leadership of many pastors, including Rev. William F. Geter, Rev. Jesse Allred, and our current pastor, Rev. Charles R. Whitfield, who was installed in 1998.
Through faithful leadership, dedicated members, and a heart for ministry, First Baptist continued to expand its service to the congregation and the community. During a season of growth and vision, the church moved forward with plans for a new multi-purpose building. In 2010, the congregation officially adopted the name First Baptist Church East Martinsville, and the new multi-purpose building was dedicated on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011.
Today, First Baptist Church East Martinsville stands on more than a century of faith, resilience, worship, and service. From humble beginnings in a schoolhouse and bush harbor to a growing ministry equipped for today’s needs, our church remains committed to proclaiming the gospel, welcoming all people, and serving God with love, unity, and hope for the future.
Under the leadership of Rev. William F. Geter, part of the congregation later moved to East Martinsville, worshiping for a time beneath a “bush harbor” near the area where Routes 57 East and 58 East now merge. In 1921, the church purchased land and changed its name from St. Philippi to First Missionary Baptist Church. Though early church buildings were twice destroyed by fire, the faith of the congregation remained strong. Each time, the members rebuilt and continued worshiping together.
One beloved memory from those early years is the little white church and its bell, whose ringing could be heard throughout the neighborhood. That bell remains a treasured part of the church’s history and a reminder of the faith, perseverance, and community spirit that have carried First Baptist forward for generations.
In 1945, the congregation voted to build a more modern church facility, which was completed in 1952. Over the years, the building was expanded and renovated as the ministry continued to grow. First Baptist has been blessed by the leadership of many pastors, including Rev. William F. Geter, Rev. Jesse Allred, and our current pastor, Rev. Charles R. Whitfield, who was installed in 1998.
Through faithful leadership, dedicated members, and a heart for ministry, First Baptist continued to expand its service to the congregation and the community. During a season of growth and vision, the church moved forward with plans for a new multi-purpose building. In 2010, the congregation officially adopted the name First Baptist Church East Martinsville, and the new multi-purpose building was dedicated on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011.
Today, First Baptist Church East Martinsville stands on more than a century of faith, resilience, worship, and service. From humble beginnings in a schoolhouse and bush harbor to a growing ministry equipped for today’s needs, our church remains committed to proclaiming the gospel, welcoming all people, and serving God with love, unity, and hope for the future.
The Great Commission
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:19–20