First Baptist Church of Georgetown [Af. Amer.]

p. 85 "Families & History, Scott Co., KY"

Georgetown's First Baptist Church is known as one of the oldest black
congregations in Kentucky.  The church had its beginning in the 1840s when
the President of Georgetown College, Howard Malcom, convinced the Georgetown
Baptist congregation to locate nearer the college and turn the
congregation's older facilities over to the black members of the church.
The Baptist congregation that had met for years in this older structure,
built in 1815 on West Jefferson Street, allowed Negroes and Indians to
worship in the balcony; many slaves were baptized as non-voting members of
this early church.

Upon recommendation of Dr. Malcom, the original congregation did indeed move
and the old site located on Jefferson Street just above the Big Spring was
leased for 99 years for $1 to the black members of the church.  In 1842 the
First African Baptist Church was organized and a slave, the Rev. George
Washington Dupree, became the first official pastor in 1851.

By 1870, a portion of the present structure was built during the tenure of
the church's second pastor, Rev. Reuben Lee.  Eight decades later, in 1956,
final deed was conveyed to First Baptist during commemoration ceremonies
held jointly with the Georgetown Baptist Church.  Additional property was
purchased on Jefferson Street during the ministry of Dr. L.H. McIntyre and
the site of the educational annex and additional parking area was purchased
while Rev. C.E. Brown was minister.

In 1984 the parsonage and church building were placed upon the National
Historic Registry.  Three years later the church sanctuary was renovated and
under the present pastor's leadership, Rev. T.D. Stubblefield, a fellowship
hall, pastor's studyl, office, Sunday School rooms and  library have been
dded.

During the month of July 1994, the congregation of First Baptist Church gave
support to the purchase of eight and one-half acres on South U.S. 25 with
the expectation of growth and expansion.  The First Baptist Church is a
spirit directed, Bible-centered, family oriented ministry.
Submitted by Gracie Warner, member.

Contributed by: Jo Thiessen
    jogt@aol.com      
    jog1@ix.netcom.com
Date: 23 Jul 1997