History:

The First Baptist Church of Erwin, North Carolina, had its origin as the Duke Baptist Church.  The only church within the city limits, it was organized in 1903 by a group meeting in a lumber shed.  Action which got under way at that initial meeting resulted in the completion in 1906 of a wooden building which was the church’s first home. During two early revivals, 155 members were added to the church.  During the ministry of S. A. Rhyne, 252 members were added.

As the church grew, Sunday School rooms were constructed.  A baptistry was added in 1914 – 15.  Before that time baptismal services were conducted at the old Fowler Mill Pond. The church’s name was changed in 1926 to Erwin Baptist Church.  Some few years later the East Erwin Baptist Church was organized and the mother church then became the First Baptist Church of Erwin.

In 1974, a two-story brick building was completed for pre-school, nursery, and youth. The church has sponsored and helped to support two mission churches, the East Erwin Baptist Church and the South Erwin Baptist Church.  Both of these churches are now self supporting, and one of them has grown tremendously and has in recent years completed a large modern church plant.

The First Baptist Church has produced three ministers of the gospel. Pastors who have served the First Baptist Church include:  D. P. Robbins, J. A. Campbell, Frank Hare, S. W. Oldham, W. M. Huggins, S. J. Beeker, A. H. Porter, A. C. McCall, W. R. Beach, S. A. Rhyne, G. Scott Turner, Forrest Maxwell, Colon Jackson, Edwin Young, Douglas Farmer, Alvin O’Shields, Jim Harman, Colie Rock and Jerry Hicks.

A detailed history of the church has been published under the title “Beyond the East Gate”, and is available from the church office.