Starting with a handful of dedicated people that met in a log cabin 169 years ago, First Baptist Church of DeKalb is the oldest continuously functioning congregation in the DeKalb community. It was started in 1844 when a small group of Christians met in a log cabin to plan for the church. The first meeting led to the formation of The Baptist church of Union Grove (later to become DeKalb). The early church met in a school until 1855. Since those early years, the First Baptist Church building has been enlarged or remodeled on several occassions as the needs of the membership and size of the congregation have changed.
1844
Baptist Church formed
1855
First church build was built
1885
Present brick sanctuary was erected
1924
Fireside and upper rooms added
1930
First observance of Home Day
1944
100th Anniversary
1952
"Sunday School of the Air" program began
1967
Fellowship Hall and Education wing added
1985
Church tower renovation
1996
Sanctuary renovated
2004
160th Anniversary
2009
165th Anniversary – With Special Guest Dr. Jerry Cain, President, Judson University
Listen to his message,
"I Have A Delightful Inheritance"