Oxford in Lafayette County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
First Baptist Church
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 1, 2023
1. First Baptist Church Marker
Erected 1992 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1842.
Location. 34° 21.978′ N, 89° 31.311′ W. Marker is in Oxford, Mississippi, in Lafayette County. Marker is at the intersection of Van Buren Avenue and South 9th Street (Mississippi Route 6/314), on the right when traveling east on Van Buren Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Van Buren Ave, Oxford MS 38655, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Peter's (1851), Episcopal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burns "Belfry" Church (about 500 feet away); Mississippi Central R.R. Campaign (about 500 feet away); Theora Hamblett House (about 500 feet away); Delta Gamma Fraternity (about 700 feet away); Freedmen Town (about 700 feet away); Oxford-University United Methodist Church
this page online
Regarding First Baptist Church. In 2011, the church sought a city permit to demolish a nearby house the church had purchased. The following brief history of the church was included in the application:
First Baptist Church of Oxford was established in 1842 and built its first building in the area of Madison and 13th St. in 1850. In 1882 the church relocated and built a building on the corner of 9th St. and Van Buren Avenue where the current parking lot is located. In 1950 the church broke ground on a new facility across the street on the south side of Van Buren Avenue and occupied the building on January 13, 1952. A Christian Life Center was constructed in 1981. In 2002 the church completed a renovation and new construction of expanded educational facilities. In 2012 First Baptist Church will celebrate its 170th anniversary of ministering in the Oxford community.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 1, 2023
2. First Baptist Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
