Our History

First Baptist Church of Fenton was organized on January 5, 1850 by a small group of local Baptists brought together through the efforts of William W. Booth. At the founding meeting with eight men and eight women present, W. W. Booth was appointed secretary and Elder A. Lamb was installed as the church's first pastor. In these early years the congregation met in simple facilities, and Booth became a driving force in establishing Fenton's Baptist presence.

In the late 1860s, First Baptist Church supported the creation of the Fenton Baptist Seminary. Founded in 1868 by Rosina L. Dayfoot under the auspices of the Baptist Church, the seminary functioned as a preparatory school offering classes in business, languages, music and more. The three-story stone seminary building became a local landmark and served the community for nearly two decades before being converted to a home for retired ministers.

Through the late 1800s, First Baptist Church of Fenton continued to grow alongside the town. By the 1870s, the congregation had constructed a dedicated church building to host its worship services. The church became firmly established as one of Fenton's early congregations and was even commemorated in local postcards and memorabilia, including a 1910 postcard of the church that was mailed from Fenton.

In the mid-20th century, First Baptist Church of Fenton aligned with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC), reflecting its commitment to Bible-centered teaching and conservative doctrine. By 1944, the church was listed as a GARBC member church with Rev. Andrew G. Pratt as pastor. In 1950, the congregation proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of continuous ministry in Fenton with special services and historical reflections.

The post-war decades brought growth and change. As Fenton's population grew, so did the church's membership and programs. In the mid-1980s, First Baptist undertook a major building project: relocating from its long-time downtown site at 116 Walnut Street to a new church campus at 860 North Leroy Street. This move provided expanded sanctuary space, classrooms, and parking, enabling the church to better serve the community.

In the new millennium, First Baptist Church has remained a vibrant part of the Fenton community. In July 2016, Pastor James Bell joined as Lead Teaching Pastor, bringing renewed energy and vision. A former atheist turned passionate preacher, Pastor James has emphasized gospel-centered teaching, community outreach, and a welcoming atmosphere. The church continues to "grow together in God's word and serve others" with expanded ministries including youth programs, counseling, and global missions.