November 8, 2025
LaFAYETTE, Ga. — For 190 years, First Baptist Church of LaFayette has been lifting high the name of Jesus in northwest Georgia. On Sunday, July 20, the church celebrated its 190th anniversary, having survived wars and turmoil throughout its rich history.
Thomas Hammond, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, brought the message to the congregation at the commemoration of their 190th anniversary. He praised the church for its partnership in advancing the cause of Christ, stating, “You are connected with 3,500 other Georgia Baptist churches for the purpose of being on mission for Christ.”
Using Mark 2:1-12 as his text, Hammond spoke about “The Legacy We Should Leave” and identified the four men who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus as “unnamed heroes.”
Hammond declared, “The actions of these four men teach us a lot, because (1) they put others first, (2) they were willing to work together, (3) they were willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, and (4) they purposed in their hearts to live by faith. And if we were to emulate their actions, we would leave a legacy that would bring glory to God.”
The founders of First Baptist LaFayette and many of their successors left a legacy of faith and faithfulness, and Hammond challenged the current membership to do the same.
The church was organized on July 11, 1835, with eleven members, in a log cabin in what was then known as the Burnt Mill Community. Five years later, the growing congregation moved into a newly completed meeting place on Culberson Avenue.
At one time, the church services were called into session by a bugle call until 1858, when the bugle mysteriously disappeared. It was discovered that a few ladies hid the bugle because they wanted the church to have a belfry and a bell. They got their wish.
During the War between the States, the battles of LaFayette and Chickamauga were fought where the church occupied its second church building, located on Main Street. Both the Baptist and the Presbyterian churches in town were utilized by the Union troops and significant damage occurred to both church buildings.
The Baptist congregation worked diligently to restore their building and dedicated themselves to rebuilding their membership and attendance, which had been negatively impacted by the War. The restoration process took time, fervent prayers, and strong resolve, but years of expansion were initiated.
By 1883, significant growth began to characterize the LaFayette Baptist congregation. Membership increased through the leadership of committed pastors. A pastorium was constructed in 1904 for the cost of $1300. Rev I.S. Leonard held the pastorate for almost 13 years, and the church flourished under his leadership. In 1922, the church added a large basement room and constructed two classrooms and a balcony.
In the summer of 1932, Pastor Ira Dance conducted a tent revival that lasted for more than eight weeks, resulting in 101 salvations and many other decisions for Christ.
By the mid-1940s, church enrollment reached 539, and a nursery was created to care for infants and small children during the regular services.
In 1954, the educational annex was built at a cost of $50,000 (when adjusted for inflation would be valued at $597,518.59 today). It was dedicated on October 3, and the Sunday School enrollment at that time was 600.
In 1957, the church called a young pastor, James Wofford, and though he only served two and a half years, 169 joined the membership during his pastorate, bringing the total membership to 804.
The church completed construction of a new worship center and fellowship hall in September 1963 at a cost of $497,000 (when adjusted for inflation would be valued at $5,159,726 today). The dedication of the new sanctuary consisted of a series of services that featured a message by Dr. Searcy Garrison, executive secretary-treasurer of the Georgia Baptist Convention.
That year, the church also embedded a time capsule in the cornerstone of the new construction. Fifty years later, in 2013, the capsule was opened by Rex Jackson, the same member who had embedded it.
In 1973, Rev. James Byler became pastor of the LaFayette church and led the congregation well for 11 years. At Byler’s retirement, the first and only pastor to retire from the church, a pulpit committee was formed and recommended Dr. Warren Moorhead to be the pastor in 1984.
Todd Gaddis, known across the Southern Baptist Convention for his pastoral, preaching, and writing skills, became the pastor of the church in 1999. He continued as pastor until 2017.
On June 1, 2018, the church called Derrick Fielder to be the pastor, and for the last seven years the church has engaged in community involvement, missions focus, and the emphasis of being “sent to serve,” which has ignited a passion to see people find and follow Jesus Christ. While the church has a dynamic past, the people believe that with the Lord’s help, the future looks even brighter.
“I have been blessed beyond words to be the pastor of LaFayette First ‘for such a time as this,’” testified Fielder. “It is an honor to pastor such a historic church, and I am thankful for the storied past, full of God’s providence, and His divine protection and guidance.”
While he is grateful for the past, Fielder sees it “as a solid foundation for what God still desires to do through this body of believers for His heavenly kingdom. There is work to be done, and I look to the future, trusting His hand will guide us because of how He has kept His hand on his bride, the First Baptist Church of LaFayette, for 190 years. Our God is faithful!”
Share with others
