Our Story

On August 25, 1889, towering pines created the perfect backdrop for the J. S. Betts Company in the small town of Marion, Georgia—later renamed Ashburn. Beneath the mill shed, before the first tree was cut, a group of believers gathered to organize a Baptist church. Elders B. A. Bacon, O. V. Fuller, and J. T. Lee formed the presbytery of what would become First Baptist Church of Ashburn. The nine charter members were Mrs. Z. J. Cowan, Mrs. Flotilla Calhoun, Rev. B. R. Graham, W. J. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Wyre, C. T. Williams, Georgia Pate, and Mary E. Williams. In the early days, services were held in a schoolhouse until the congregation could build a permanent home for worship.

On March 14, 1891, the building committee reported that enough funds had been collected to begin construction of the church’s first building, located on the corner of Madison Avenue and Gordon Street on property donated by Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Ashburn. By August of that year, records show the church had already baptized 22 new members and received four more by letter. After several fruitful years in that location, the congregation sold the building to the Wesleyan Church and prepared for a larger sanctuary. On May 9, 1902, materials were placed on a new lot on McLendon Street, and by January 11, 1903, the congregation moved into their expanded house of worship, a sanctuary that cost $4,000 to complete.

Throughout 2008 and 2009, further improvements were made, including updates to the Prayer Room, library, and several classrooms, along with the installation of a new media system in the Fellowship Hall. More recently, in 2022, the sanctuary underwent a full remodel. The ceiling was replaced, the entire room received a fresh coat of paint, new carpet was laid, and the pulpit area was carefully refinished and stained, giving the sanctuary a renewed sense of warmth and beauty.

As we reflect on more than a century of ministry, we are deeply thankful for those who came before us—men and women who sacrificed, served, and faithfully grew this church so that others could come to know Christ. Their dedication has paved the way for us today, and their legacy calls us forward as we continue to share the good news of Jesus with our community and beyond. To all who have prayed, given, served, and led through the generations—thank you.

Growth continued over the years, and in June 1956 the congregation dedicated a new sanctuary. Later, in August 1973, the Fellowship Hall and Educational Building were dedicated. In 1991, the church purchased additional property on Rainey Street for future needs, and in November 1999, the congregation celebrated the renovation of the pulpit and choir areas and dedicated a concert grand piano to the glory of God. On May 30, 2004, after months of preparation, First Baptist Church held a ribbon cutting for the new Family Ministry Building on McLendon Street. In September 2005, major renovations were completed in the church kitchen and Sunday School rooms. In January 2007, the church was blessed with the donation of a new Rodgers three-manual organ, a complete video system, and upgraded audio in the sanctuary.