Dothan in Houston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

First Missionary Baptist Church

Dothan, Alabama

Photographed by David J Gaines, April 16, 2017

1. First Missionary Baptist Church Marker, front

Inscription.
(side 1)
In 1889, Georgia Baptists led by Reverend W. M. Carter organized the New Hope Baptist Church in the village of Poplar Head. Reverend Robert Nelson was called as the first pastor. In 1907, newly-elected trustees incorporated its successor, the First Colored Baptist Church. In 1912, under pastor Dr. Thomas Bellinger of Pensacola, the church purchased land from the Saxon family, erected its original building, and renamed itself the First Missionary Baptist Church. The pastorate of Reverend C. C. Clency began in 1926 but ended in a schism that resulted in creating the North Highland Baptist Church. (Continued on other side) (side 2) (Continued from other side) In 1940, the City of Dothan auctioned the Church property for unpaid gutter and curb assessments. The Church later regained ownership of its property and constructed its 1962 education building during the pastorate of Reverend Howard Creecy, Sr., of New Orleans. Reverend Rochester Johnson served from 1972 to 1992 and oversaw construction of a fellowship hall. The Church buried a centennial capsule near the hall's entrance in 1989. The parsonage, parking

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lot, education wing, and fellowship wing complete the Church's physical plant. First Missionary Baptist Church was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 2001, while Reverend B. K. Marshall was pastor.

Erected 2004 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the First Missionary Baptist Church.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 31° 13.905′ N, 85° 23.82′ W. Marker is in Dothan, Alabama, in Houston County. It is at the intersection of Chickasaw Street and North Alice Street, on the right when traveling west on Chickasaw Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 370 Chickasaw Street, Dothan AL 36303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Wiregrass.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

First Missionary Baptist Church Marker, reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, April 16, 2017

2. First Missionary Baptist Church Marker, reverse

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dothan Dixie Standpipe (approx. 0.3 miles away); Atlantic Coastline Passenger Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Federal Building (approx. half a mile away); Freemasonry Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Main Street Commercial Historic District (approx. half a mile away); 1905 Houston County Courthouse Bell (approx. 0.6 miles away); Houston County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dothan.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Steamboat Era (was approx. half a mile away but has been confirmed missing).

First Missionary Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, April 16, 2017

3. First Missionary Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2017, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,101 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2017, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.