Our Story
Our Church
First Baptist Church is a vibrant congregation with a long and illustrious history. We have worshipped and ministered for over 175 years in the heart of Murfreesboro, TN. We are set apart by our focus on Christ and dedication to the work of His kingdom. We love one another and our neighbors in tangible ways, support God’s calling of men and women to lead within the church as both deacons and ministers, and strive to learn and grow together in Christ through worship, study, and experiences that center the commandment Christ identified as primary: Love God and Love Your Neighbor.
Our History
On June 9, 1843, a small band of sixteen Baptists met at the James Franklin Fletcher Schoolhouse for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. By the advent of the Civil War, the church was meeting at the corner of South Spring Street and Sevier Street. Following the Battle of Stones River in late December, 1863, the Federal army took over the church building, removed the pews, and converted it into a hospital for the wounded soldiers. During the Reconstruction Period, the church grounds were used as a campground for freed slaves who came through Murfreesboro. Eventually, First Baptist Church gave the Sevier Street property to ex-slaves to be used for a new church. This was the beginning of First Baptist Church East Castle Street, a predominantly African-American church with whom our congregation today enjoys a warm friendship and loving partnership. In the 1870s, the congregation moved to a new building in the 300-block of East Main Street. It was in this building that the Tennessee Baptist Convention was formed on April 10, 1874. Whether through local on-the-ground missions, or through cooperative efforts with other churches, conventions, and fellowships, First Baptist Church enthusiastically continues the tradition of sharing the word and love of Christ.
In need of a new structure, the congregation moved in 1920 to its present location at 200 E. Main Street, and invested in the construction of a new Greek-Revival style building. The foundation, vertical columns, and classical roofline are featured on our church logo and symbolize for today’s congregation a steadfast reliance on God.
Like most of the nation, First Baptist Church faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression. When the church could no longer meet payments on their outstanding bonds, the saddened congregation watched as their building was sold at auction on October 14, 1936. Pastor Leland Sedberry arrived in 1937 and initiated what would today be called a stewardship campaign. The church gave and saved their funds until they were able to re-purchase their building on December 6, 1941. A few of our dear members still remember this time in the life of First Baptist, while the resulting heritage of stewardship, giving, and financial responsibility remains a source of pride for the entire congregation.
The Past 50 Years
The latter half of the 20th Century was a time of energy and growth for First Baptist Church. We expanded our campus, constructed new education buildings and a Christian Life Center, and worked to spread the word and love of Christ by planning, planting, watering, and growing mission churches in Rutherford County and beyond. These churches include Midland Baptist Church, Smyrna Baptist Church, Westgate Baptist Church, Southeast Baptist Church, Westwood Baptist Church, New Life Laotian Baptist Church, Northside Baptist Church, Murfreesboro Community Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Cannon Community Church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Saline, Michigan, and Harvest Baptist Church in Clinton, Illinois. These years also marked an era of new inclusion, as First Baptist Church hired its first female minister in August, 1990, and ordained its first female deacon in December, 1991. Supporting God’s calling of women to leadership roles within the church has been a hallmark of FBC’s identity ever since.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Smith and Dr. Noel Schoonmaker in the first 20 years of the 21st Century, First Baptist Church cultivated a warm hospitality that extends outside the walls of our buildings and into the broader community. FBC welcomed faith communities from across Murfreesboro to the One Community Prayer Vigil on the eve of a white supremacist rally, taking a stand against senseless hate in favor of the unifying love of Christ.
FBC weathered the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic with an emphasis on loving one another and supporting medical personnel by honoring public health guidelines. The church met digitally, livestreaming services and using Zoom for small groups while maintaining personal connections. Our deacons checked in with church members regularly, helping to meet needs and stay connected. Eventually, physical meetings resumed with precautions like social distancing and masks to help mitigate the spread of illness and protect the most vulnerable in our church and broader community. Under the leadership of our current Senior Pastor, Dr. Glen Money, this deeply missional church continues to live, love, and serve like Jesus, opening its facilities to homeless neighbors on freezing nights, providing financial assistance for those struggling with rent and utility bills, and engaging in a variety of other loving mission work locally, regionally, and internationally.
Our Present Location
The present day Sanctuary was constructed in 1920 with a Neo Classical Architecture.
The three story building was built in 1956. Current use of this building includes Bible Study rooms, the Children’s Library, and Insight Counseling Center.
The Education Building was built in 1968. Current use of this building includes Bible Study rooms for preschoolers and children, staff offices, our Financial Assistance Ministry, Possibility Place, and the Fine Arts Academy.
The Christian Life Center was built in 1985. This space houses one of our signature local ministries: Coldest Nights. This emergency overnight shelter is run in cooperation with The Journey Home and Murfreesboro Cold Patrol. Volunteers provide meals and guests stay overnight when temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing.
The Welcome Center opened in 2013. This beautiful space features a welcome desk, gathering area, media library, conference room, and handicap accessible restrooms.
Our Past Missions
FBC has assisted in the founding or organization of 11 congregations.
First Baptist Church, 738 E. Castle Street, Murfreesboro, TN
Smyrna Baptist Church, Smyrna, TN
Westgate Baptist Church, 720 Old Salem Road, Murfreesboro, TN
Southeast Baptist Church, 708 Minerva Drive, Murfreesboro, TN
Westwood Baptist Church, 1320 Brinkley Road, Murfreesboro, TN
New Life Laotian Baptist Church, Sherwood Lane, Murfreesoro, TN
Northside Baptist Church, Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN
Harvest Baptist Church, Clinton, Illinois
Fellowship Baptist Church, Saline, Michigan
Murfreesboro Community Church, Murfreesboro, TN
Cannon Community Church, Woodbury, TN
First Baptist Church has a longstanding commitment to Missions Education. We have commissioned and sent out numerous short-term and career missionaries.
Our History
To learn more about the rich history of First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, check out the book Pillar and Ground in the Media Center. You will discover how our church has persevered through many hardships including a fire, The Civil War, and The Great Depression.
