Brief History of First Baptist Church
* The church was organized January 19, 1874, by Grenada Baptist Church preacher, W.A. Mason, to known as Coffeeville Baptist Church. It had eight members ( 7 women and 1 man!). The first building was erected and completed in 1877. They met in the Methodist Church until the building was complete. We still meet with the Methodist every 5th Sunday!
* The old building was torn down in March 1924, following its last service, Wednesday Prayer Meeting. The sanctuary building on present corner of Depot/Court Street was completed in 1925, and its first service was held in January, 1926. Bro. R.L. Breland's daughter, Kate carved her name in the concrete of the west side portico. You can still see her signature today!
* First Baptist Church held its groundbreaking ceremony for the present day sanctuary on November
5, 1972 and on November 4, 1973, Bro. Donnie Stewart led his flock from a brief service
remembrance in the old sanctuary over to the beautiful new sanctuary, where he preached the first sermon in the church building. At that time Mark Price was the youngest member and Mrs. Inez Denton was the oldest member.
* The first pastorium was on the lot where the Education building now stands.
* In 1956 a new pastorium was built on the present day sight. Bro. G. Bynum & Mrs. Susie Basden were the first to occupy the home. An addition and remodeling was done in 1971, when Bro.Donnie & Anona Stewart moved here with their four children. The pastorium was refurbished in 2005, prior to the Bro. Bryan Bailey family's arrival.
* The Education Building was built in 1961 to provide much needed Sunday School rooms and a large kitchen/fellowship hall.
* The first Homecoming was held November 6, 1988. Bro. Donnie Stewart was the guest preacher.
* The Family Life Center was built and completed March 23, 1993, and has served as a Superb activity building for homecomings, family reunions, wedding receptions, Harvest Festivals, Wednesday night activities, Bible School activities and many more functions in our community.
* The first pastor was Bro. W.A. Mason. We have had 28 pastors at First Baptist Church.
* The church held its 100th Anniversary Celebration in 1974 with a week-long services and guest speakers/singers.
