First Baptist Church of Columbia is known to history as the site of the South Carolina’s Secession Convention held on December 17, 1860. At the time, it was the largest structure in Columbia, making it an ideal location for this large gathering. The Ordinance of Secession was signed three days later in Charleston.
Though First Baptist’s congregation formed in 1809, the brick Roman Tuscan edifice shown here was not built until 1859. Its molded brick was painted brown some time around the turn of the twentieth century. In 1941 the sanctuary was enlarged. Several years later, in 1949, the paint was removed, revealing a variety of brick colors from light tan to red.
First Baptist Church of Columbia has grown exponentially over the decades, and in 1992 members began worshiping in a new sanctuary adjacent to this one. The modern sanctuary seats up to 3,400 people and can be seen standing behind the old church in the top photo. A Family Life Center was added to the church complex in 1999. The 1859 sanctuary remains part of the church campus.
First Baptist Church of Columbia is listed in the National Register:
The First Baptist Church was the scene where the first southern state convention declared its separation from the United States of America. Delegates assembled here on December 17, 1860 and unanimously declared their intent that the State of South Carolina should secede from the Union. This act of separation, coming from a state of leading political prominence, carried an immediate momentum throughout the Gulf States and Georgia, inducing them to declare their own separation. Although the convention met for only one day at Columbia and signed the State’s Ordinance of Secession only after reassembling in Charleston, the intent of the State’s political leaders was clearly and publicly declared at First Baptist. Erected in 1859, the church building features a Roman Tuscan portico and Tuscan pilasters down the sides, all rendered in molded brick. Alterations to the building occurred in 1941 and 1949.
The First Baptist Church of Columbia, SC is located in the heart of North Little Rock. It’s been around since 1931 and has grown to over 400 permanent members and many more visitors everyday. Built upon the River of the Blue Ridge, the church is a place of worship where people of faith meet for praise and fellowship. The beautiful fellowship is what makes a service a success, as people share life’s joys and sorrows. The fellowship of this unique church cannot be found anywhere else in the United States.
The first church meeting of the First Baptist Church of Columbia, SC took place on the following Sunday, Febuary 7th. As a warm and welcoming occasion, the church welcomes all who are willing to learn about the doctrine of salvation. On that day, the entire congregation gathers to observe a reading of scriptures followed by an opening service, followed by music and prayer. Throughout the service, special guest speakers welcome those who arrive and provide teachings from the Bible.
On the following Sunday, the service concludes with a pastor’s message followed by a time of fellowship. The first Baptist church of Columbia, SC also welcomes children for Sunday school. During the summer months, the church hosts a Harvest festival and participates in many different activities to celebrate the season. The entire church family works together to plant new trees, build new homes for the poor, and participate in many community programs.