How it all started...
First Baptist Church of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, celebrated its founding in 1890. Late in the 1880s there was a Union Church and Sunday School operated near Big Stone Gap. The church opened its doors near Sulpher Springs, now called Cadet. The Union Church grew until 1890 when the number of Baptists in the congregation was large enough to allow the establishment of a church of their own faith and order, which was called the First Baptist Church of Big Stone Gap. Its first pastor was Dr. J.M. McManaway, who served from 1890 until 1894.
The first church building of the newly established First Baptist Church was located on East Third Street. Late in the 1890s, the church building was sold and for a period of time the church meetings were held in a store building owned by the Goodloe brothers on East Fifth Street. The white, brick building (seen in the photo to the right) which occupied the present sanctuary site was completed in 1905.
The first church building of the newly established First Baptist Church was located on East Third Street. Late in the 1890s, the church building was sold and for a period of time the church meetings were held in a store building owned by the Goodloe brothers on East Fifth Street. The white, brick building (seen in the photo to the right) which occupied the present sanctuary site was completed in 1905.
Expanding the vision...
The First Baptist Church voted on January 17, 1973, to demolish its sanctuary and build a new structure. The new sanctuary was dedicated on October 12, 1975. The church sanctuary and educational building were renovated in 1998 with continued renovations on the exterior and interior of the building to the present day. The new LED sign was added in 2025.
Pastor Bryan Gunter is the 19th minister to fill the role of Pastor at First Baptist Church in its 135 year history. He continues the long standing mission of First Baptist Church in serving alongside a Christian family that worships God, evangelizes those who are not Christians, disciples its members, and serves our community and the larger world!
Pastor Bryan Gunter is the 19th minister to fill the role of Pastor at First Baptist Church in its 135 year history. He continues the long standing mission of First Baptist Church in serving alongside a Christian family that worships God, evangelizes those who are not Christians, disciples its members, and serves our community and the larger world!
Where we are headed...
Here at Fist Baptist Church we believe that Christ has called us to love like Jesus. Pastor Bryan often says, "No one loves you like Jesus, no one has done so much for you as Jesus, and, if you let Him, no one will do more for you than Jesus."
We are not a perfect people but a REDEEMED people seeking to love like Jesus. We pray that God would help us to share His love with others so that His family will grow! Let us be part of your story and join us as we seek to grow together in Christ. There is a place in this family for you...Welcome Home!
