Around 1861, 1862, or early 1863, far, far, from the raging battle of the Civil War, a small group of Negroes, gathered in a wooded section of Jefferson County to form a church---First Baptist Church of Powderly. Birmingham had not as of yet been born and Jones Valley was a rural backwater. Those first members of First Baptist Church gathered not in a building, but in an open area called a ''Brush Harbor". (A Brush Arbor is a clearing underneath a group of trees where leaves and branches intertwine to form a canopy or tent like effect.) It was not until 1894 that the first frame church was built, and then in 1912 a wooden structure was built by the men of the congregation. The church got its first pews from a neighboring white congregation in the Powderly community.

A church's past is measured not in years but in dynasties of the pastor's who guided it. The longest term served by any pastor was eleven years and the shortest term was one month. In early days, sermons were usually two hours long and the kerosene lanterns on the wall gave off almost no light as darkness fell. Since there were few if any activities in the community, this church served many functions. The first secular school for Negroes in this area was held here, and it quickly became the social setting for neighbors who had not associated with one another for an entire week. Nurturing organizations, such as mission groups and prayer groups, gathered at the church. Potential sweethearts who were not yet dating, were able to greet one another, mingle, enjoy each other's company, and walk home together after the services.

In 1922, the church became incorporated as a non-profit organization and had its name placed in the Records of Registration in Montgomery, Alabama. The first observance of the church's anniversary was held in 1926. In 1956, the Education building was constructed. In November, 1989 this building was named the Austin Fellowship Hall in honor of the late Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. Austin.

By 1963, the church had experienced many transitions in membership and physical structures. There had been at least three different structures erected. In 1965, the church had a tremendous physical growth under the leadership of the late Reverend Smith Thomas. Reverend Thomas envisioned great things for the church, and on November 16, 1969 we marched into our new edifice with the hope of exemplifying love to humanity and winning souls to Christ. In less than fifteen years, the mortgage was paid in full and a ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion.

The first women on the TRUSTEE BOARD were : Sis. Rosie Smith., Sis. Carrie Tompkins,  Sis. Lucille Frisco

In May, 1994 on the one hundred thirty-third anniversary of the church the church was declared an "Historical Site" and placed in the Historical Archives of Records in Jefferson County, Alabama. 

Pastoral Timeline

Among the 23 pastors we have had only one to be full time and that one stayed the longest [11 years].

For the lack of records much of the organization data is lost, but according to reports, Reverend Sam Key and Reverend John Walker were the first to pastor this early church. They served until around 1896. The Reverend Scott Seybourn took the leadership in 1896, with Reverend John White as associate pastor. 

In 1899, with the first known physical structure the pastor was Reverend W. A. Rodgers. It is said that this structure was quite primitive, but cherished by all who found freedom of worship without repression for the first time. It is said that after eight [8] years of good leadership Reverend Rodgers resigned. 

In 1909, the church called Reverend C. Cook, a great gospel preacher to assume the pastoral duties. The record does not show any physical growth of the church's structure, but a growth in membership during this time. During this time, black communities were being formed which might explain the tremendous growth in the church's membership.

In 1912, the Reverend J. H. Shakleford was called to pastor the church, and during his three [3] years of leadership, the records show another sanctuary was built. In 1914, the year World War I began, the Reverend R.H. Weatherly served one [1] year as pastor, after which the Reverend E. W. Davenport as called. Reverend Davenport served two [2] years and the church continued to grow numerically during his time.

In 192~-, the church called Reverend Carswell, who served for one [1 J month. Reverend J. C. Thomas followed and served until 1928. In 1928,  reverend J. H. Sims was called and served until 1930.

In 1931, the Reverend]. C. Crosby, who is well remembered for his service in a sister community church, pastored for three (3] years. In 1934, Reverend C. H. Davis was called. Under his nine [9] years of leadership, the church experienced another rapid growth in it's membership.

The time span from 1930 to the present is considered the contemporary period. Most of the present officers and older members are familiar with the pastors and history of the church from this point forward, and as a result, there is greater clarity in the recorded data of the church. During the year of 1943, Reverend E. J. Menefee was called to pastor the church. During his administration the church began an era of physical progress, which extends to the present. The membership also continued to increase during this time.

In 1948, Reverend William Earl Pitts, a most cherished and well-loved person, assumed the leadership of the church. The church continued its progress spiritually and physically during his seven years of service.

In 1955, Reverend Joe L. Anderson was called to pastor the church. Under his administration the Educational Building was started. [Rev. Anderson died while still pastor of the church]

In 1962, the church called Reverend Smith Thomas, Jr. to be pastor. Under his ten [10] years of leadership the church experienced a tremendous period of growth. In 1969 Rev. Smith Thomas designed and directed the construction of the new edifice we now worship in.

In 1973, the Reverend Kiinnis Kelly was called to the leadership of this congregation. Bible study was the comer-stone of his time at First Baptist. Under his leadership we were taught God's way of financing His church.

In 1982, the church called Reverend Letha Rumph, Jr. who served until 1985, when the church called its next pastor Reverend Alex G. Washington.

In 1991, the church called Reverend Rodney Golson, Sr. to lead the congregation. After 11 years of service he resigned. A most loved and cherished energetic young man, he will always be remembered for his cheerful attitude.

The next chapter of our history began in June, 2003 with OTIS WILLIAM McGUIRE, JR. as pastor. There were two licensed ministers in the pulpit under Reverend Otis W, McGuire, Jr. The late Reverend David Lee Sims and currently Reverend John Elvis Hamilton.

Our 23rd and current pastor elect was installed March 10, 2024, Reverend Kerry Thomas. Pastor Thomas served as interim pastor a year before taking the position. 

The Sanctuary 

The Sanctuary we now worship in was built in 1967/69. The church members marched from the Grocery store two block away to the new building, singing, "We've come this far by Faith" led by our Deacons and Pastor Smith Thomas, Jr. {do not read this } The new edifice cast approximately $90,000.00 plus extra time when there was a problem with the contractor. 

In 1980 under the leadership of Reverend Kinnis Kelly the mortgage was paid off. There was a "Mortgage Burning" ceremony in November 1980 thanking and praising God. This ceremony was held in less than 15 years of the loan. This church has always held membership in the leading Baptist

On April 4, 2010 renovations were started on the main sanctuary. The paneling was removed and sheet rock was used on the walls. R. & S GENERAL REPAIR COMPANY 1564 Kent Dairy Road Lot# 250. Alabaster, Alabama 3507. This work was completed in 7 weeks, at a cost. In addition to the sanctuary, work was done on the Pastor's Office and the spare room next to the Kitchen. The Church Office was moved to the rear in Austin Fellowship Hall [upstairs]

The Community

The community of Powderly has been blessed to experience and have the quality of leadership that has been exemplified by the great leaders down through the years. The church's growth and spiritual effect on this community and communities across the city, is keenly felt and greatly appreciated by all concerned persons. The spiritual effect of five [S] leading churches in the city felt more because the pastors of these churches are off-springs of First Baptist Church. 

Rev. Randolph Austin

Rev. Marvin Conner

Rev. Edmond Hullett

Rev. Cornelius Brown III

Rev. Lorenza Huggins

Rev. Joe N. Blackmon

The spirit filled gatherings of praise and supplication, provided the glue which held together the minds, bodies and spirits of individual members who were otherwise oppressed by economic and social codes. Nevertheless the will of God was imperative and First Baptist Church of Powderly continued to grow physically, spiritually, prosperously.