The First Baptist Church of Ft. Gaines was established May 11, 1845 by Rev. Joshua Mercer, Thomas Long, Lewis Everingham and Rev. H. A. Wilcox. There were fourteen charter members: William Castleberry, Catherine Castleberry, Richard Grist, Jas. F. Rowland, Osborn Eley, Jacob Anderson, John Garner, Richard F. Grist, Mary B. Grist, Mary Colbert, Mary Tatum, Patience Anderson, Lucinda C. Garner, Lewis Paullin.
The original church was built on land donated by Mrs. Mary Henderson who also furnished most of the funds for materials and workmanship (slave labor). The present church building was completed in 1892 at the same site.
- May 11, 1845 the first Baptist church to be established in Fort Gaines, was organized by the Rev. Joshua Mercer, Lewis Everingham, Thomas Long and the Rev. H. A. Wilcox.
- Charter members: Jacob Anderson, Patience Anderson, Catharine Castleberry, William Castleberry, Mary Colbert, Osborn Eley, John Garner, Lucinda C. Garner, Mary B. Grist, Richard Grist, Richard F. Grist, Lewis Paullin, James F. Rowland and Mary Tatum.
- September 13, 1845, the church was admitted into the Bethel Baptist Association. (The first missions offering--$10-was taken to the association)
- In 1857, Sunday School was organized with Dr. W. L. Paullin as superintendent.
- In 1928, additional Sunday School rooms were created by excavating a basement under the church. This was done with a mule and scoop. The majority of this basement area is not currently in use today.
- In 1964, the construction of the current educational building was completed.
- In 1965, the sanctuary underwent remodeling.
- In 1983, the church built a much needed Fellowship Hall.
- In 1990, structural damage was found in the ceiling of the sanctuary and was repaired.
- In 2003, Fort Gaines Baptist led the Bethel Baptist Association in baptisms.
- In 2006, the church again renovated its sanctuary, adding new technology as well. This renovation also refinished the original pews & pulpit furniture.
