Forest Baptist Church’s history reaches back to 1867 when the congregation began meeting at the homes of its members. Starting in 1870, the congregation met on the first Sunday of each month at the Presbyterian church. This phase of Forest Baptist Church’s life lasted until 1874 when construction on the first dedicated Forest Baptist Church was completed.
In 1909, a new building was constructed and served to house the congregation until 1917. The first FBC building burned 100 years ago. The neighboring school building was also consumed in the fire.
The third structure was completed in 1919 and housed the congregation until 1949. The current building was completed in 1949, and upon the transition to the new location, the congregation engaged in a walk from the previous location on the corner of Broad and Second St. to the current building on First St.
The Forest Baptist Church is constructed with off-white brick exterior and a path on the right wing of the building with brick columns lining the walk under the awning. The path under the awning leads around to the back patio where there is a fountain and the main building bridges to the education building and the family life center. The respective additions were made in 1957 and 1990.
The education building features a nursery, kitchen, and fellowship hall. The family life center offers a large space for sports and activities.
In 1967, 100 years after the congregation began meeting, the church purchased a Moeller Pipe Organ which is 50 years old today.
The main building features a lobby at the main door with two staircases climbing the left and right walls. Beyond the forward doors is the main hall of the church, lined with stained glass windows on each side. The ceiling is pitched and ribbed with broad, wood beams, tracing the A-frame and joining at the peak.
The upper deck permits one to view the full length of the hall, with the ears of stained glass windows peaking up on the edges of the second floor in the corners, lighting the pews with candied, morning light.
Reverend Joe Pate commented on the on the Church’s anniversary, “Forest Baptist Church is celebrating 150 years of ministry to our community, state and literally around the world this August 26th and 27th 2017. We invite everyone to come and join us Saturday evening at 6 p.m. for an evening of music and remembering. Then on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate with past pastors what God has done in and through Forest Baptist Church. We are thankful for all God is doing here now and are very excited about what He will do here in the years to come.”
