Our Past
First Baptist
Church Mobile was established in 1835 with thirty-two members, several
of whom were slaves. In fact, a black slave women was the first person
to be baptized into the church. This integrated church was rare among
Mobile and Southern churches. Unfortunately, the church soon split into
separate congregations, largely along racial lines. Under several
different names and in different locations the church grew, overcoming
adversities and difficulties to establish a strong foundation for future
growth. Mission was and is a unifying and dominant force in the life
of the church. Throughout its history, First Baptist Church has been
pastored by many prominent Baptist leaders and theologians, including
Dr. John W. Phillips, Dr. Norman Cox, and Dr. Howard M. Reaves.
The present building was built in 1909 and is Greek Revival in style with the exterior resembling a Doric temple. Granite steps extend the whole width of the facade to an elevation of nine feet. The portico contains six massive columns supporting an equally impressive architrave. Heavy oak doors lead from the portico to the vestibule, which is covered in Spanish tile. Inner doors give access to the main auditorium, which continues the Doric theme with ornately carved Greek molding. Ten art glass windows give light to the interior. A complete refurbishment of the sanctuary was carried out in 1997, and great care was taken to make no changes except for carpet and fabrics. The Bedsole Organ, a Austin Organ Opus 2713, was installed in the church in 1998. It is dedicated to the memory of J.L. Bedsole, his wife Phila Bedsole, and their son Lieutenant J.L. Bedsole, Jr. This magnificent organ still uses three ranks of pipes and the swell chest from the original organ installed in 1926.
The present building was built in 1909 and is Greek Revival in style with the exterior resembling a Doric temple. Granite steps extend the whole width of the facade to an elevation of nine feet. The portico contains six massive columns supporting an equally impressive architrave. Heavy oak doors lead from the portico to the vestibule, which is covered in Spanish tile. Inner doors give access to the main auditorium, which continues the Doric theme with ornately carved Greek molding. Ten art glass windows give light to the interior. A complete refurbishment of the sanctuary was carried out in 1997, and great care was taken to make no changes except for carpet and fabrics. The Bedsole Organ, a Austin Organ Opus 2713, was installed in the church in 1998. It is dedicated to the memory of J.L. Bedsole, his wife Phila Bedsole, and their son Lieutenant J.L. Bedsole, Jr. This magnificent organ still uses three ranks of pipes and the swell chest from the original organ installed in 1926.