In early 1900, the Swenson Brothers and the railroad began planning what would become the town of Stamford. As with all developing communities, the need for a church soon became apparent. First Baptist Church of Stamford was established on February 22, when a group gathered under a mesquite tree on a cold, dreary morning at a lot one block east and one block north of the church's current location. The group—27 adults and 4 children—prayed for God's leadership and guidance that day and "in all the days thereafter."

Early church records are scarce due to a flood that destroyed R.L. Penick's home in the 1920s. However, remaining records indicate that Mr. G.K. Ashburn served as the moderator for the founding group. All members were already affiliated with churches elsewhere but united to charter this new church. The founding members were Mr. and Mrs. G.K. Ashburn, Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Billingsly, Judge and Mrs. J.H. Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Dakan, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Grayum, Mr. and Mrs. Will Wyatt, Mrs. J.S. Morrow, Rev. and Mrs. J.P. Siler, Mr. and Mrs. G. Powers, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Newberry. The children present were Bob and Perry Siler and Ora and Marvin Morrow.

The church called Reverend B.F. Dixon as its first pastor and began meeting in a shed on Oliver Street. They quickly outgrew this space, making it clear that a larger building was necessary. The Swenson Brothers donated land at the corner of Oliver and Swenson—the site of the present church building. The church purchased the adjacent lot, and a building fund was established under the leadership of R.L. Penick, C.W. Dakan, and C.H. Ashburn.

The first few years were somewhat unstable with a succession of pastors. Rev. Dixon resigned after three years, followed by Rev. C.A. Mangum who also served for three years. Next came Rev. R.T. Hanks, who served for just one year.

An advertisement in the 1905 Stamford News simply stated: *"Baptist church - Preaching every Sunday at 11 o'clock and at night. Elder R.T. HANKS, Pastor."*

Rev. F.S. Groner, a young lawyer, later led the church to growth and financial stability. Within a year of his leadership, he had increased membership, enhanced participation in several key areas, and completely eliminated the church's debt.

He guided the church's decision to construct a brick building. Ten prominent businessmen—R.V. Colbert, R.L. Penick, Judge W.T. Andrews, Dr. W.N. Bunkley, Charles Brewington, W.L. Smith, E.B. Wilkerson, B.G. Wallace and Sons, L.E. Adams, and W.J. Rosamond—each contributed $1,000 toward the building fund. Notably, R.V. Colbert was a prominent town leader but not a church member.

In March 1908, the cornerstone was laid containing a Bible, a church roll, a folded paper given to the pastor by a small boy, and various items from church members. The building was completed in September 1909. A pipe organ was purchased for the sanctuary using funds raised by Baptist women and a $2,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie.

From 1900 to 1949, the church had 15 different pastors. Rev. Byron Bryant, Jack Southerland, Phil Watson, Jim Enfield, and Larry Armentrout served the church into the 1970s.

In 1962, a committee led by George Smith spearheaded a $250,000 addition to the church, expanding an education building just south of the sanctuary.

The church continued to grow, adding a bus ministry in 1973 under the direction of Weldon Holbrooks, O.K. Jones, Jr., Jess Treadwell, J.I. Moudy, and Bill Glenn. In 1975, the church celebrated its 75th anniversary with festivities on April 25-27. The theme was "Reasons for Celebration."

In 1978, after assessing their needs, the church decided to renovate the sanctuary to its current appearance. The work was completed in March 1981, with a dedication service held on March 8. Rev. Bruce Lampert was called as pastor in August 1982. In 1986, the United States Department of the Interior recognized the Sanctuary as a national historic site and presented the church with a bronze plaque. Following Rev. Lampert’s resignation in 1991, Rev. Chad Selph became pastor, succeeded by Rev. Jay Abernathy, Calvin Gray, Jacob West, John Ward, and Dan Stewart.   The church is currently in a transition period with Pastor Stan Allcorn serving as interim. Youth Group and Team Kids for children ages 4-5th Grade meet every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 PM, beginning with dinner followed by Bible stories, games, and youth activities.

The current staff serving First Baptist Church includes Stan Allcorn, Interim Pastor; Thomas Barr, Youth Pastor; and Malinda Thornton, Administrative Assistant.

First Baptist Church Stamford will celebrate its 125th Anniversary on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 10:00-11:30 AM, with a catered fellowship meal afterward.

The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Jesus has not changed! When the church building, our town, and the world around us change—leaving us confused or uncertain—we can always know that Jesus remains the same. His love for us remains the same. His truth remains the same. And this church will always worship Jesus and preach his love and his truths. That is one thing we can always count on.

All are welcome to come celebrate God's faithfulness.