FBC Eugene history

Through his efforts, this group of Baptists were organized into a mission of the First Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, in May 1840.

Hillsman had departed in 1842 to become the first president of Mossy Creek Academy, forerunner of Carson-Newman College.

The congregation built its first chapel in 1851 on a prominence called Mount Pisgah which soon earned the nickname Baptist Hill, now Mears Park.

They organized into a church, The Chattanooga Baptist Church, adopting a Constitution with Rules of Order and Articles of Faith, on May 29, 1852.

That same year they began the first building, and it was dedicated in 1853.

In 1895 the sanctuary was severely damaged by fire, but was rebuilt the same year.

The windows located on the west side of the church were taken from the previous building and were made about 1897.

John W. Inzer began his ten-year ministry in 1919 and under his leadership the church experienced its greatest growth, the Church School averaging 1,200 a week in attendance.

In 1945 the church purchased property on Gallatin Road near Imperial Boulevard.

The first church building was erected on this property in 1947.

In 1948, Doctor Carl J. Giers began twelve fruitful years, the longest pastorate in the church's history to that time.

Doctor Jack H. McEwen, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, was called as pastor on December 9, 1973, after he had served as interim pastor for several months.

In 1977-78, the handbell choir was formed.

On November 25, 1979, a dedication service was held for a new chapel (later named the McEwen Chapel) and education complex.

During the 1980 remodeling, antique chairs and a minister’s desk from the old church at 11th and Willamette were found in the attic.

Brother Glenn Weekley preached his first sermon the morning of June 14, 1987 and began his ministry here on July 12, 1987.

Ground was broken at Bluegrass Commons on January 28, 1990 and construction began in April 1990.

On July 14, 1991 the congregation walked all the way down Gallatin Rd. from the old FBCH building to the new to worship God, and celebrate His provision.

In 1992 a master plan for long term needs of the congregation was completed and a new roof for the dome was installed, making that winter the first in 81 years without a leak.

In September, 1994 the congregation celebrated and gave thanks to God for First Baptist Church’s first 50 years.

Structural flaws and water damage to the bell tower were fixed in an expansive renovation in 1995 thanks to a sizeable gift from the estate of Grace and Victor Morris.

The chapel was remodeled in the winter of 1997.

In 1999, First Baptist started a contemporary worship service named Connections.

In May 2003 the Smith Travel Research Building at 105 Music Village Boulevard adjacent to our campus was purchased and is now home to the First Baptist Church Counseling Center, The BABBCenter.

In July 2007 Doctor Weekley celebrated 20 years as pastor of First Baptist Church.