History

1902

 

Rev. Boone M.D. was led to organize and led in the construction of Vancleave Baptist Church.  The Church was destroyed by a hurricane on September 28 of that year.  A new building was built on the site and was donated by late Andrew Ramsay.

1909

During this time church services were held one Sunday each month.  The total church membership was 29.

 

1916

This second church building was heavily damaged by yet another hurricane and the congregation preserved one more and rebuilt.

1940s

The church began to hold services twice a month and Palmer G. Murphy was ordained as the church’s first deacon followed by the ordination of William Moore and Edward Vaughn in 1944.  It was during this time that full time worship services began.  In 1948, the church membership exceeded 100 for the first time.  Also in this time the first Vacation Bible School was held with 48 enrolled.

1950s

At this time the church acquired new property on Highway 57 from C.L. Dees and Construction of a new sanctuary began.  Church membership had reached 200.  In May 1958, the new sanctuary was dedicated.

1960s

 

In the early part of this year the first educational space was built at the rear of the sanctuary.  The first floor of the educational building was constructed in 1969.

1970s

Church membership began to experience a steady growth and a kindergarten program was started.  In 1976, total church membership had grown to 418. At this same time sanctuary was remodeled.  The church congregation voted to change the name from Vancleave Baptist church to First Baptist Church of Vancleave in 1977.

1980s

The church congregation committed to a building program in 1985 for a new sanctuary, educational and office space.  In 1985, the church Sunday school records were averaging 290 and two morning worship services were being held. Total membership had reached 781.  In 1989, dedication services were held for the new facilities, the church had grown from one full time employee to six.

1990s

The church voted to expand to dual Sunday school format in 1996.  It was evident at this time that the church needed space for educational needs.  In 1997, the church congregation once again voted to build, thus the church entered a building program “Touching Tomorrow Today” to add a multipurpose facility, new office space and additional classrooms for Sunday school.

2000s

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new addition. In 2001, the new facility was occupied allowing the church to return to one Sunday school hour.  The church also occupied the multipurpose building and educational space bringing the total square feet of building facilities to 61,758.   In 2002, FBCV celebrated its centennial year.  “100 Years Sharing the Love of Christ” was the theme of this celebration.  The celebration was held throughout the year and climaxed on September 29, 2002 with a fellowship banquet and worship services that over 750 members and guest attended.

Today

From its humble beginning’s in 1902, the church of First Baptist Vancleave has grown to a average attendance of 725 and an average Sunday school attendance of 500.  May we as God’s church continue to reach out and serve as the Lord Jesus Christ has called us to.  May we commit to another “100 Years of Sharing the Love of Christ” All the honor and glory belongs to Our Lord and Savior!