Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
First Baptist Church
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 12, 2014
1. First Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
First Baptist Church. . Side 1: , Founded November 29, 1829, with four charter members. English-born Lee Compere, a missionary to the Creek Indians, was the first pastor. Services initially were held monthly in a building shared by other denominations. In 1833, the church constructed its own house of worship on North Court Street. The growing congregation built a two-story brick structure on the same site in 1854. In 1860, Basil Manly, former President of the University of Alabama, became pastor, delivering the invocation at Jefferson Davis' inauguration the next year. The church played a significant role in the development of the Southern Baptist Convention. Its rich history intertwines with the events of the Civil War and ensuing years.
(Continued on other side). Side 2:
(Continued from other side). This stone building, modeled after a cathedral in Florence, Italy, is the church's third home. Construction began in 1905 when Dr. Charles Stakely was pastor and proceeded as funds were available. Completed and dedicated on November 11, 1923, its total cost was $175,126.91. The church facilities frequently have been enlarged and modified to parallel the congregation's growth. For untold hundreds, this church has been the place of conversions, baptisms, marriages, funerals, and life-changing worship experiences with God. First Baptist has played an influential role in the historic, cultural, and religious life of Montgomery and the South.
Side 1:
Founded November 29, 1829, with four charter members. English-born Lee Compere, a missionary to the Creek Indians, was the first pastor. Services initially were held monthly in a building shared by other denominations. In 1833, the church constructed its own house of worship on North Court Street. The growing congregation built a two-story brick structure on the same site in 1854. In 1860, Basil Manly, former President of the University of Alabama, became pastor, delivering the invocation at Jefferson Davis' inauguration the next year. The church played a significant role in the development of the Southern Baptist Convention. Its rich history intertwines with the events of the Civil War and ensuing years.
(Continued on other side)
Side 2:
(Continued from other side)
This stone building, modeled after a cathedral in Florence, Italy, is the church's third home. Construction began in 1905 when Dr. Charles Stakely was pastor and proceeded as funds were available. Completed and dedicated on November 11, 1923, its total cost was $175,126.91. The church facilities frequently have been enlarged and modified to parallel the congregation's growth. For untold hundreds, this church has been the place of conversions, baptisms, marriages, funerals, and life-changing
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worship experiences with God. First Baptist has played an influential role in the historic, cultural, and religious life of Montgomery and the South.
Erected 1994 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 29, 1829.
Location. 32° 22.433′ N, 86° 18.431′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of South Perry Street and Scott Street, on the right when traveling north on South Perry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 841 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 12, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.