Our History

Six Baptists were numbered among the twenty-five persons who landed at the mouth of the Little Miami River on November 18, 1788. These were men of conviction and devotion, whose concern for the Baptist witness drove them to evangelize. The first church was organized in January, 1790. From this center, a missionary went out to preach the gospel and organize churches in Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties. The Hamilton-Rossville Baptist Church was organized in 1829. Meetings were held in homes at that time, but a brick meeting house was soon erected. The church was organized with twenty members, and grew rapidly. It was during these years that the subject of missions became of much interest and discussion. So much discussion and disagreement was involved that a division occurred in the Hamilton-Rossville Church in 1836. Of the sixty active members, only three stood favorable to the promoting of missionary enterprises. Five years after the division of the Hamilton-Rossville church a group, still maintaining the missionary spirit, resolved to carry on worship services and called a part-time pastor.

In 1841 the church officially organized as the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, Ohio. Little did that small band of believers, gathered in the home of Dr. Loami Rigdon, dream what great things God had in store for First Baptist Church. For through her doors would enter children, youth, and adults who would, in time, confess Christ as Savior, follow Him in the waters of baptism, and under the teaching and preaching of faithful ministers, prepare themselves for daily living.

And out of her doors would come pastors, teachers, missionaries, directors of Christian Education, and dedicated laymen, who would go forth and witness to Christ’s saving grace and keeping power. Former members of First Baptist who became pastors include Joe Hyde, Mark Click, Adam Metzger, Jeff Sexton, Sue Ellen Leugers, Alan Baker, Branan Becknell, and Connie Messer. In 1858, a building was erected in the center of the city at a cost of $10,500 (pictured above). In the years to follow, an effective ministry was carried out. Mission zeal has never been lost by the church in a growing city. This has been evidenced by our church sponsoring five new churches: West Side Baptist Church, St. Clair Baptist Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Pleasant Run, and, most recently, Crossway Baptist Church.

Under the leadership of Dr. John Brinkman (1928-1949), the groundwork for acceleration in the church’s progress was laid. In 1950, Dr Oliver W. Hurst continued the leadership of the congregation until 1963. The Reverend George B. Scripture came to pastor the church in 1963. It was during his ministry, after much prayer and searching, the property was acquired that became the site of our present church. On May 24, 1970, the congregation gathered in the Great Hall of a beautiful new edifice to dedicate the new facility to the glory of God. The building, with its multi-purpose uses, attracted new families. The church grew in spirit and ministry. The evidence of God’s blessing was on every hand.

In October 1973, Dr. Milan Johnson began his ministry here. In addition to the standard pastoral functions, Dr. Johnson concentrated his time and energy promoting stewardship consciousness. Under his leadership, the church regained the financial strength to grow ministry. Our mission support to ABC/USA and to local missions attained new heights by dedicating 16% of giving to missions. In November, 1979, Dr M. Douglass Willey began his ministry with the church. In addition to normal duties, Dr. Willey dedicated a great deal of time and energy on crisis and home visitation. With his leadership, the congregation voted to build a sanctuary adjacent to the multipurpose building. He was a tireless worker and placed a great deal of emphasis on evangelism. Dr. Willey was a powerful expository preacher and had a great love for teaching.

In February, 1990, Dr. Dennis Metzger became the senior pastor and remained until his retirement in June, 2013. His ministry was the longest tenure for a senior pastor in First Baptist’s history. Pastor Den’s strength was discipleship training through pulpit preaching and his deep commitment to missions. Through his leadership, our church began, in 2006, contributing 21% of giving to missions. In addition, he would often participate with our congregation on annual mission trips, both in the United States and on foreign soil. He would also lead a large group from our church annually to the Green Lake Mission Conference.

In November 2014 Dr. Daniel C. Clemens became senior pastor and remained until his retirement June 2021. Pastor Dan was privileged to serve with several gifted ministry staff leaders. During their service the congregation focused on revitalization of the congregation to reach families in the community and to remodel the facilities. They led the congregation through the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing the ministry back after.

In December 2023, First Baptist Church began a journey to seek a new senior minister. Retired and guest pastors preached on Sunday mornings on a rotating basis. The congregation welcomed Pastor Chris Beecher as Interim Pastor in June of 2024, where he served until being officially voted in as the new Senior Pastor on March 2, 2025 with a unanimous vote from the congregation. He was officially installed on May 4, 2025 . Through the faithfulness of our active congregation, ministries with children, youth, families and older adults continue strong. We are looking forward to God’s vision for our future!