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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Having their centennial celebration in 1996, with roots traceable to 1846, the First Baptist Church officially was organized on pril 19,1896. The ensing years aftaer the orgnization, until after WWII, were a struggle marked by part-time services and part-time ministers serving a small but tenacious congregation.
The original Church location was on the comer of Easterbrook and Toulme Streets on a lot purchased in 1895 for $75. This property was later sold to the city and used as a cemetery. The present Church site on Main Street, next to the old U. S. Post Office, was deeded to the Church in 1945 by Dr. T. B. Sellers, which was the same year the Church called their first full-time minister.
As Bay St. Louis prospered and grew after the War, so did the church. In 1947, the current sanctuary was purchased from the U. S. Army (a surplus chapel) for $1250. Disassembled at Camp Van Dorn, Ms, the chapel was reassembled, renovated, and additions made on the Main St. site. In 1959 a youth center was built behind the church (now used as the Church office), and in 1969 a new additdion to the Education Building was constructed. In 1973, Bay St. Louis residents heard the first radio broadcasts of the church?s woship services over WBSL.
The Church has endured the ravages of Hurricane Camille in 1969 and was rebuilt after a major fire severely damaged the sanctuary in 1977. After the fire, services were conducted at the facilities of Coast piscopal Church who graciously ?loaned? their facilities when there were notd in use. The Church stands today in the center of old Bay St. Louis as a landmark of Christian brotherhood and fellowship serving the spiritual needs of the city.