Samuel Sampson and his wife, Maria sold a plot of land on Warsaw Road (now College Street) for a sum of $60.00 paid by members of the Colored Baptist Church conveyed unto Balam Best, Warren Holmes, and Boyt (Boyette) Robinson chosen as trustees and their successors by the Colored Church, deeded February 23, 1870 and registered by Probate Judge J. H. Morrisey on April 26, 1879; Deed Book 37 Pages 493-494.

*Hardy Bunting, Cato Brunson, Balam Best, Warren Holmes, Daniel Moore, Agrippa Bizzell, Ronnie Bennett, and Unus Hubbard became the first deacons of the church and their wives, Sarah Bunting, Jane Brunson, Elizabeth Holmes, Eliza Moore, Edith Bizzell, Rosa Bennett, and Alice Hubbard were the first Mothers of the church.

*The first church building was started around 1878, and completed around 1880.  The Rev. Miller and the Rev. Lamb were the first ministers called to lead our people as they ventured into a religious experience impelled by memories of slavery and dependence upon their brethren.  Serving a combined term of ten years, these two pastors led the church during the developmental state.

*In the 13 years that followed, First Baptist was led to greater spiritual heights by two other pastors:  Rev. Christmas (1890) and Rev. A. A. Smith (1892-1913).  The Rev. Smith served the longest tenure in the church's 121 year history.  During this time, a plot of land was purchased on the east side of the church from a secret order (TENTS).  The church experienced much growth during this period, causing the existing building to be inadequate.  A larger edifice was constructed to accommodate the increasing congregation.

*The Rev. Salter (1913-1915), the Rev. Fred Davis (1915 -1919), and the Rev. H. J. Jones (1920-1923) were elected to pastor the church during the next nine years.  These ministers served faithfully and contributed to the spiritual growth of the church.

*The Rev. H. H. Hart (1923-1930) was a great evangelic preacher and pastor, an inspirational and spiritual leader, organizer and builder.  He planned a building program to construct the third church and built a baptismal pool in the old church to be used during the construction of the new church.  The church was completed in 1929, and is where we worship now.

*Under the administration of the Rev. B.F. Johnson (1934 - 1944), the Baptist Young People's Union was organized.  Rev. Johnson added service on the 4th Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.  New officers and organizations were added which rendered a greater service to the total church community.

*The Rev. K. P. Battle was called to serve First Baptist Church in 1945.  During his administration, a new Pipe Organ was purchased.

*The next 11 years saw three briefly tenured but effective pastors:  Rev. J. H. Nimmo (1947-1949), Rev. R. H. Johnson (1950-1955), and Rev. J. H. Clanton (1955-1958).  The church parsonage was constructed adjacent to the church building under the leadership of the Rev. Clanton.

The next pastor elected to serve First Baptist was the Rev. Johnny L. White (1958-1972).  Many church and community projects were organized during his administration, namely the James A. Ezzell, Sr. Outreach Day Care Center, Inc.  (Formerly Clinton Outreach Day Care Center), the Educational Building, enlargement of the choir stand, installation of the Baptismal Pool, and the purchase of new pulpit furniture.  Results of expansion and services which initiated during this administration are still evident.

*Following Rev. White, Rev. Clifford A. Jones, Sr. became shepard of the flock.  During his 10 year tenure (1972-1982), an extensive evangelistic ministry resulted in an increase in church membership.  As community fellowship reached new heights and internal growth continued, the church saw several facility changes including the remodeling of the church entrance, the Pastor's Study, the basement, and the installation of new pews.  During his administration, the Day Care was chartered by the State of North Carolina, and grew to be one of the best child care facilities in the country.

*Rev. Dr. Zachary Alexander, Instructor , Shaw Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina, served as Interim Pastor until 1983.

*Rev. Howard W. Jones (1983-1986) assumed his duties as pastor in August, 1983.  During his 39 months, a number of internal organizational changes occurred.  The church ministry reached beyond the immediate First Baptist family.  Property adjacent to the church was remodeled and rented to local businesses.

*Rev. H. Lionel Edmonds took over the pastorate of First Baptist Church on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1988.  Rev. Edmonds, seeing the church as God's agent for change in society, was committed to strengthening the programs of the ministry, and expanding the activity of the membership in all  facets of the community.  He terminated his service on November 15, 1992.

*Rev. Dr. Zachary Alexander, Raleigh, North Carolina, again served as Interim Pastor for a brief period.  Dr. C. R. Edwards, retired Pastor of First Baptist Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina, served as Interim Pastor until June, 1994.

*In June 1994, Rev. Marvin T. Clowney, Sr. became Shepherd, and exhibited a great concern for the church's ministry. Under his leadership, the dream of a larger fellowship  was completed and the "House of Hope" a homeless shelter served as a place to stay to persons without somewhere to stay.  Rev. Clowney 's employment with First Baptist Church of Clinton, Inc. ended February 2009.

*First Baptist Church of Clinton, Inc. is proud of its history and its leaders.  God has guided us over 140 years, and we have now been blessed with a new Pastor  - 
Rev. Thomas R. Farrow, Jr.