1845 First Baptist Church of Paris was organized at the home of Mr. Dudley McClain on North Main Street. Rev. G.W. Riley was chosen as their pastor and ministered to the growing church for twelve years. Rev. Riley served half-time, receiving a salary of $50.00 per year which "was mighty hard to raise." One member commented that he didn't see why they "had to waste so much money on a preacher."

1846 The first church was built on North Main Street on the second lot south of Union Street. This church cost $1000.00 and served as our place of worship for 22 years. Then the building was moved to Union Street and used as a stable until it was destroyed by fire in the early 1890s.

First Baptist Church 1862

1887 The church was redecorated and a pulpit and 3 chairs were purchased. A local newspaper proclaimed the carved black walnut pulpit to be one of the finest in the city.

1890s Picnics were a popular fellowship activity. On August 16, 1894, the young people's society had a "jolly" picnic at Collett's Park in Terre Haute. The party included Rev. and Mrs. Bell, M.K. Fletcher, Grace Noell, Hazel Garner, Vic Mann, Anna Jurey, J.D. Arthur, and many others. In August 1895, the Sunday School held an evening picnic at the fairgrounds. 150 people attended.

1895 Plans submitted by Bowman & McPhersan of Indianapolis were accepted and a contract in the amount of $10,600 was awarded to J.M. Bell of Paris to build a new church. The cornerstone was laid on June 21.

1896 The new church building was dedicated on February 9. Prior to the dedication ceremony, the Beacon described the new church as "a thoroughly modern and up-to-date structure, built with a view to comfort, convenience and elegance. . . with a commodious parlor, which will accommodate 75 people and can also be made a part of the lecture room and the main auditorium by means of a rising curtain." A fully-equipped kitchen and a dining room that would seat 150 was located in the basement. Read selected pages from the Dedication Booklet.