On 23 August 1856 nine people gathered at the old log cabin of Levin P. Scrogin to establish the First Baptist Church of Lexington; this would be the fourth church in Lexington.
Services were held in the schoolhouse at the park or in homes. In 1871 the Baptists held a revival in the Christian Church which boosted their membership and dictated that they build their own church. Levin P. Scrogin donated the land and this church was built for $4,000 and dedicated on 12 July 1871.
An early issue this church would face is temperance, as they battled against the establishment of saloons in this developing town. And, they also worked zealously in the antislavery league, none more eagerly than Arthur J. Scrogin, son of founder Levin Scrogin. Early families of this community who worshipped here included: Paul, Presley, Kent, Weakley, Franklin, Douglass, Gallehugh, Hyneman, and Hiser.
The church congregation and their programs grew and developed through the years as did the community of Lexington. They struggled during the depression but managed to continue their good works. The church celebrated their 125th anniversary in 1981 and continued to be active and involved in reaching out to needs in the community.
On 11 December 2005 the First Baptist Church of Lexington voted to end its’ affiliation with the American Baptist Church of the United States. They did not feel comfortable with the direction being taken nationally and preferred to maintain their independence. They wished to be known as an organization of Christians; and so, chose to go forward serving the Lord as the Lexington Community Church. The old Baptist church on the north side of Lexington was sold and soon a new building arose at 805 South Pine Street where today they provide church services to the community of Lexington.
Services were held in the schoolhouse at the park or in homes. In 1871 the Baptists held a revival in the Christian Church which boosted their membership and dictated that they build their own church. Levin P. Scrogin donated the land and this church was built for $4,000 and dedicated on 12 July 1871.
An early issue this church would face is temperance, as they battled against the establishment of saloons in this developing town. And, they also worked zealously in the antislavery league, none more eagerly than Arthur J. Scrogin, son of founder Levin Scrogin. Early families of this community who worshipped here included: Paul, Presley, Kent, Weakley, Franklin, Douglass, Gallehugh, Hyneman, and Hiser.
The church congregation and their programs grew and developed through the years as did the community of Lexington. They struggled during the depression but managed to continue their good works. The church celebrated their 125th anniversary in 1981 and continued to be active and involved in reaching out to needs in the community.
On 11 December 2005 the First Baptist Church of Lexington voted to end its’ affiliation with the American Baptist Church of the United States. They did not feel comfortable with the direction being taken nationally and preferred to maintain their independence. They wished to be known as an organization of Christians; and so, chose to go forward serving the Lord as the Lexington Community Church. The old Baptist church on the north side of Lexington was sold and soon a new building arose at 805 South Pine Street where today they provide church services to the community of Lexington.