CHURCH HISTORY

A body of worshippers holding to the same Christian beliefs came together in the years following the Civil War for the purpose of organizing a church. In the year 1867, under the leadership of Reverend Cyrus Carter, this church was organized. Serving as the first church in Vienna, Virginia, it was named First Baptist.

The first building was erected on a site on Lawyers Road, now known as Knights of Columbus Hall located at 215 Lawyers Road, which was deeded September 1, 1867 to the first Trustees for the consideration of one dollar.

This building, served as a school as well as religious and civic gatherings, and was constructed from Civil War barrack material secured through the Freedmen's Bureau.

With the growth of the community, improvements and changes were made to the building and the first cornerstone was laid September 7, 1884. In 1915 the building was again renovated, at this time adding such things as a central heating plant and electricity.

With expanded activities and increased membership the need for more space became evident. The purchase of a three acre site, on which to build a new church on the corner of Orchard and Nutley Streets, was made at the cost of three thousand dollars.

In 1957, the Cornerstone laying for the new building was a historical occasion for members and friends of First Baptist. After ninety years of worship on Lawyers Road the church moved into its new edifice at 450 Orchard Street in December on 1957.

Beginning in 1986 the overwhelming growth in membership and subsequent increase in church ministries, facilities that were adequate in 1957 no longer met our needs in 1995.

An ever expanding vision of the Leaders and its membership along with their belief that through God all things are possible, our new edifice was completed in December 1996.