As in all the frontier churches, blacks and whites worshiped together, with the blacks in some churches seated in separate galleries. This was the arrangement in the Severns Valley Baptist Church buildings.

While most of the black members were slaves of the white members, several free blacks were admitted to the congregation. One of these free blacks was Brother John Stuart, who brought a letter of recommendation from the African Church of Louisville. He was taken under the watch care of the church, and was permitted to pray and exhort in her bounds (February 1840). One black man was ordained to the ministry by the church. Records indicate that fifty persons of color were baptized into the fellowship of Severns Valley Baptist Church.

The movement toward a separate congregation began in 1842, when Severns Valley allowed its black members to hold separate prayer meetings on Saturday evenings. It was then that the church building was not otherwise occupied. When convenient, some of the white brethren would visit the black worship services. It was, however, not until 1866 that the black members of Severns Valley Baptist Church officially organized into a separate congregation. This group of blacks formed, with the blessings of its "Mother Church," what is known today as the First Baptist Church of Elizabethtown. On July 26, 1866, a motion was adopted, by Severns Valley Baptist Church, granting letters of dismissal to twenty-five persons for the purpose of organizing the First (Colored) Baptist Church.

The first house of worship by this infant congregation was constructed by logs. It was located near Valley Creek at present day Central Avenue. As services were held in this primative structure, First Baptist Church witnessed numerous conversions. Due to its close proximity to the creek, baptisms were conducted outdoors.

The congregation worshiped in the log cabin for several years, before they were able to construct a frame building near the original location. The building became known as "Baptist Hall."

It is not known who served as the first pastor of the newly organized church. It is generally conceded that one of the first to serve as pastor was the late Dr. Daniel A. Gaddie others include, Dr. S.E. Smith, G.W. Bowling, Allen Allenworth, Jimerson,Eugene Evans, and R.H.C. Mitchell. It was while worshiping in "Baptist Hall," that the church called the Rev. John Edmond Wood as pastor. In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Wood taught in the city school system.

In 1897, Dr. Wood led First Baptist Church in the purchase of their third church edifice. The church building, located on Poplar Street, had been vacated by the "Mother Church." The edifice was purchased from Severns Valley Baptist Church for $500. The members of First Baptist Church were so happy to have a presentable place for worship, that the entire purchase price was raised in a single effort. First Baptist entered its new home debt free.

Approximately 21 ministers have served as pastor of First Baptist Church. Three of these ministers were recalled: Rev. W.B. Wood, Rev. C.E. Starnes and Rev. S.G. Redd. The early ministers who served as pastor, not only made their contributions to the development of this church, but were also some of Kentucky's most illustrious sons. Very early in its history, First Baptist Church of Elizabethtown became known as an "Oldline" Baptist Church.

Continuing to be served by outstanding pastors, in the 100th Anniversary year (1966), Rev. Bernard T. Bishop was called and accepted the pastorate of First Baptist Church. During his 32 years as pastor, Dr. Bishop has made great strides in adding to the church membership. A large number of young people were added. He moved forward the building program for the present edifice. Breaking ground in 1969, the building was completed in 1974. Pastor Bishop led a grand processional from the old edifice on Poplar Street to the present edifice on New Glendale Road. The cornerstone was set in place by Luckett Lodge No. 137 PHA. Today, under the leadership of Dr. B.T. Bishop, First Baptist Church is still pressing forward as it plans to expand its present facilities.

Although the roots of First Baptist Church grow deep in black history, the church body is not a blacks only organism. First Baptist Church of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, extends open arms to all who wish to worship within its fellowship. There is no division in Christ Jesus! Neither should there be division in His Church. Let us all glorify God together!

⁵"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: ⁶ That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6 KJV)