In
1895, under the leadership of Rev. McCloud, a few Baptist
believers in Christ Jesus assembled together in a small
home and organized what is now a vital lifeline in the Binghampton
community. It was under a bush arbor at the corner of Autumn
and Hollywood that the First Baptist Church Family conducted
its divinely-inspired worship services.
When
a storm came and destroyed this location, the believers
stood firm on their faith and beliefs and persevered through
this minor set back. During the cold, harsh winter months,
these faithful saints were determined to carry out the charge
that God had birthed in their spirits, and they gathered
together in a little wooden schoolhouse at Scott and Broad.
In
1896, FBC built its first building, First Baptist Church
Colored. Unfortunately, another storm later destroyed it
as well. God, in His inimitable style, spoke into the hearts
of the Princeton Avenue Baptist Church, who opened its doors
to the FBC family and allowed them to continue worship service.
With four thousand three hundred dollars, God again confirmed
that His hand was on the FBC family by allowing them to
build a brick building. This endeavor began in 1916, and
was completed in 1917.
It
was under the leadership of the legendary Rev. L. O. Taylor
in 1925 that the membership began to grow rapidly. During
this time some land was purchased from Mr. Frank Peoples
and the basement of the church was built.
Down
through the years God continued to validate the First Baptist
Church ministry as He opened up the windows of heaven and
began to pour in more blessings. In 1931 Rev. I. S. Powell
was elected and a parsonage was provided next door to the
church. In 1940 under the leadership of J. J. Tillman, the
church experienced an awesome growth in both membership
and finances, and in 1945 construction began on the sanctuary
under the administration of Rev. R. S. Rose. A few years
later (1947), under the direction of Rev. F. L. McKia, the
present sanctuary was finished. In 1950 with Rev. W. L.
Patterson as pastor, the adjoining property, the pews, and
the pulpit furniture were all acquired. Just four years
later, directed by Rev. H. C. Cherry, the FBC family purchased
a piano, an organ, a roof for the church, and the redecoration
of the church auditorium. Pastor Cherry also organized the
young adult usher board, the youth choir, and the male chorus.
He emphasized tithing and called upon the membership for
sacrificial service. Under Rev. Robert L. Cotton (1975)
new windows and an elevator were installed. (It is the Lord's
doing; and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23).
On
the second Sunday in May of 1978 the Rev. Oddie Breckenridge
was called into leadership for the First Baptist Church
family. Rev. Breckenridge became well noted for hosting
one of Memphis's weekly Christian radio talk shows. Under
his administration he ordained the first women into ministry
in the history of the church. But above all of his accomplishments
was his dedication to the work of the Lord through his 20+
years of service that will never be forgotten. Rev. Breckenridge
served as Pastor Emeritus until his death in 2001.

In
November of 1999, God sent His anointed leader in the package
of Rev. Keith Norman. Under his blessed leadership, First
Baptist Church's Bible Study has grown from a small group
to a large gathering of over 300 members and non-members.
His strong spiritual leadership has developed such ministries
as: Couples, Singles, Health, Senior Retirees, Liturgical
Dance, Above and Beyond, Audio/Visual, Children's Church,
and Praise and Worship. The rapid growth in the youth department
was extremely instrumental in the necessity for the multi-purpose
Victory Center.
Since Pastor Norman’s arrival, the month of November
has proven to be a blessing each year for the FBC family.
In November of 2000, the church became debt free after only
one year under his leadership. In November 2001, the church
began to discuss the vision of the new edifice. In November
2002, FBC broke ground, the vision was implemented, and
one year later, November 2003, the vision was manifested
with the grand opening of The Victory Center.
This
great contribution to the Mid-South was made possible by
the submission to the will of God by all of the above-mentioned
vessels and the following: Rev. Bailey; (1895) Rev. Larkin
Greer (1917); Rev. J. Springer (1918); Rev. J. A. Scott
(1922); Rev. L. S. Moss (1944); and Rev. L. M. Merritt (1945).
More than one hundred and eight years later, this God ordained
life line in the Binghampton community is still empowering
countless lives around the Memphis area. It is apparent
that God's hand is on this ministry as He has sustained
it through racial, economical, and even natural storms.