First Baptist Church of Wrightsville was founded in 1874 , over the years our church has been pastored by many great leaders including :

Rev. F. 0. Seekers,      Rev. W.C. Pennington,

Rev. F.K. White,         Rev. C.D. Pettaway,

Rev. W. M. Craig,       Rev. E.G. Watson,

Rev. G. M. Lewis,       Rev. Odell Pennington,

 Rev. J.E. Tidwell,       Rev. D. L. Richardson,

Rev. W. M. Smith,    Rev. Michael Hansberry.

During the early years of the church, it was determined that the church needed major structure repair. Under the leadership of Rev. W. M. Rogers and Rev. Rollie Wilson work was begun to repair the church. However, the structure would prove to be beyond repair. Rev. Chester Perry was next in line to provide leadership for First Baptist, and it was during his tenure that original church structure was razed, and an entire new church building was erected.

In 1924, Rev. J.E. Tidwell became Pastor, Rev Tidwell organized and planted the seed for what would eventually become our usher board. Rev. Joseph Thomas was next in the line of succession.

In 1928, Rev. W. M. Smith Became Pastor.  He increased the number of ushers to five (5), and appointed two ladies as custodians of the fans.

In 1932, Rev. W. C. Pennington took over the Pastorate.  It was under his leadership that the ushers were formally organized, becoming the senior usher board. He also organized the senior choir and reorganized the B.T. U.  Rev. Pennington brought organization to the entire congregation by separating the church membership into the 12 tribes of Israel. Each tribe was headed by a captain who made formal reports to the church leadership during church business meetings. As the church began to grow, Rev. Pennington envisioned building a new church with rock walls, which he started, but did not complete.

After Rev. Pennington, and before receiving a new pastor, the church incurred a large financial debt.

Under the leadership of our next pastor, Rev. C. D. Pettaway, we raised the funds needed to not only satisfy the debt, but also to completed construction of the church building. Under Rev. Pettaway, the new building was completely modernized with central heat and air, new carpet, and furniture for the sanctuary. The junior usher board, beautification and flower club were organized and the church grew under his leadership.

In 1967, Rev. E. G. Watson would become our new pastor, though his tenure was short, a second floor was organized under his leadership.

In, 1968, Rev. Odell Pennington became Pastor. Under his leadership, the fellowship hall and basement were added. The front of the church was remodeled; a public address system was installed, a mimeograph machine was purchased, giving us the capacity to produce our own church literature. The inspirational choir, youth choir, and young adult usher board was organized.

In 1984, Rev. Pennington established a brotherhood organization for First Baptist. Also, under his pastorate, the church parking lot was paved, and a new lighted church sign, fabricated from the same rocks as the church, was installed in the front of the building. In May 1988, new carpet was installed throughout the sanctuary. In August 1989, after twenty-one years (21) of faithful services, Rev. Odell Pennington retired due to failing health.

In December of 1989, Rev. D. L. Richardson accepted the Pastorate.

Under his tenure, work continued with building repairs and remodeling. In June 1992, a new heating and air conditioning system was installed. In July 1992, a Tape Ministry was established by the Pastor’s Service Auxiliary. In July 1994, new pews and pulpit furniture was purchased. An enhanced youth and men’s ministry were established. The Church van was also purchased during this time for the member’s transportation.

In June of 1996, Rev. Michael Hansberry was called to pastor First

Baptist. In a short span of time, the kitchen and fellowship hall were remodeled and a ramp for the handicapped was enhanced. Pastor Hansberry also implemented a Church Leadership Training program designed for both present and future leaders. The men’s ministry continued providing breakfast each fourth (4th) Sunday morning.

On July 9, 1997, the church sustained a devastating fire caused by

lightning. Damage to the structure was of such magnitude that it would be too costly to repair. So, the church leadership under the guidance of the Holy Spirit began the arduous task of building a new worship center. The Wrightsville Optimist Club graciously provided the use of their building free of charge for as long as was needed for meetings and worship. On Family Day, April 16, 2000 the groundbreaking dedication was held for the new worship center.

Construction was started on May 1, 2000 with Alvin Green and River City Painting & Construction Co. In April 2001, we entered our new facility. On October 28, 2001, the cornerstone was committed to the building. The Mortgage was burned on Sunday, October 27, 2019 during the 145th Church Anniversary Celebration. In May 2002, a Baby Grand Piano was purchased for the Sanctuary and on September 6, 2002, the parking lot was paved.

In 2006, a computer was purchased for our church office. In 2007-twenty-three (23) parking spaces were added to our rear parking area.