Our Story

On January 8, 1901 David C. Fisher moved his family to Columbia from the Ward 9 Community.  He was the ferryman for nine years before the first traffic bridge was built across the Ouachita River.  Since there was no church in Columbia, the Fisher family attended church at Briggs Point, now the home of Columbia Heights Baptist Church, in a building used by multiple denominations.

In 1904, David Fisher started a church in his home in Columbia.  As the church grew, they eventually began to meet once a month in what is now the Methodist Church in Columbia.  That building was eventually moved and became the first First Baptist Church facility, meeting on the second floor while the first floor was used as a Grocery Store.

First Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Julian Brooks built a one story frame building in 1913 on the corner of Main and Church street, across from the current location.  

From that time to today, First Baptist Church has had a rich history of ministering in Columbia and beyond.  The church's history includes tales of floods and world wars, spies and revivals, faith and growth, declines and renewed growth.  If you want to read more about the Churches History, check out our Church History Page