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First Baptist Church of Holly Springs, N.C., was organized with fifty-two members in 1866. One-half was built on an acre of land which was purchased between the fork of Buckhorn and Fuquay Roads . The church was a log cabin. The first deacons were: Robin Blaylock, Peter Peddy, Sam Clemmons, Bob Fuquay, Jessie Beckwith, Tom Burt, New Ballentine, Quinton Jones, Bill Leslie and Ned Hunter. Secretary, James Howell; Treasurer, Bill Burt , and Reverend Bob Shepherd, Pastor.
A new church was built two years after being destroyed by fire. During the renovations in 1935, under the leadership of Reverend W. M. Smith, a new frame building was erected. Under the leadership of Reverend James A. Avery (1952), the frame church had a complete brick veneered face, Sunday school rooms, memorial windows, basement, and other modern conveniences, under the skills of the late Trustee George Talmadge Grigsby, Sr. Since that time, a handicap accessible ramp, restrooms, sound systems and computers were added under the leadership of Rev. Otis G. Byrd (1987 - 2012). 
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The pastors of the church have been Reverends Bob Shepherd, Gus Shepherd, T.B. Edwards, Lewis Hackney, Peter Malloy, Daniel Hicks, Joseph Berry, Millard Jones, Charles Williamson, S.H. Witherspoon, George Mooney, W.S. Turner, L.J. Alexander, M. L. Dawson, T.T. Williams, E. C. Clark, W. M. Smith, J. W. Burwell, I. C. Lee, James A. Avery, H. V. Miles, Edward Jones, A. A. Crum and Otis G. Byrd. We are very fortunate to have as our current pastor, Reverend Michael D. Rogers.
On September 10, 1995, Reverend Aaron L. Burt became the First Son of First Baptist Church to be ordained into the ministry. This was an historical year for our church. Two other ministers became Associates in our church, Rev. James Allen and Minister Edward McCullers. The year, 2005, also marked an historical event for the church when it witnessed its first female to enter in the ministry, Minister Ruth Wooten. |
Mission Statement:
The mission of the First Baptist Church is to develop a strong fellowship of believers in the First Baptist community who celebrate God’s presence, communicate God’s word, educate God’s people and demonstrate God’s love. Our aim is to serve the needs of the people of our community through a New Testament church characterized by uncomplicated and inspiring worship, a Bible-centered, life-related message, and genuine friendship and caring.
Our Purpose:
WORSHIP – “To participate in public worship services together and to maintain personal daily devotions.” (John 4:24)
EVANGELISM – “To share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our community and throughout the world.” (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 3:9)
MINISTRY/MISSION – “To serve unselfishly in Jesus’ name, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our church, community, and in the world.” (1 Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 5:13)
DISCIPLESHIP – “To help disciples develop toward full Christian maturity and train them for effective ministry. To promote personal, spiritual growth and discipleship through Bible teaching.” (Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 18:20; 2 Timothy 2:1-2)
FELLOWSHIP – “To encourage, support and pray for each other as disciples of the family of God. To share our lives together.” (1 John 1:7; Acts 2:44-47; Hebrews 10:23-25; Romans 15:5-7; John 13:34-35)
EVANGELISM – “To share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our community and throughout the world.” (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 3:9)
MINISTRY/MISSION – “To serve unselfishly in Jesus’ name, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our church, community, and in the world.” (1 Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 5:13)
DISCIPLESHIP – “To help disciples develop toward full Christian maturity and train them for effective ministry. To promote personal, spiritual growth and discipleship through Bible teaching.” (Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 18:20; 2 Timothy 2:1-2)
FELLOWSHIP – “To encourage, support and pray for each other as disciples of the family of God. To share our lives together.” (1 John 1:7; Acts 2:44-47; Hebrews 10:23-25; Romans 15:5-7; John 13:34-35)
Vision Statement:
To see people saved, healed, set free, equipped, empowered and serving God.