Our History

"Moving Not the
Ancient Landmarks"

Organized in March 1897 with 43 charter members assembling at the house of R.M. Stewart on the corner of Church and Brown Streets in Americus, Central Baptist Church was then known as Furlow Lawn Baptist Church. Rev. R.L. Bivins was extended a unanimous call as the church’s first pastor.

While a building was being built, the congregation met in City Hall through a kind act of city officials. Property for the wooden building was purchased at the corner of Lee and College Streets and the church was built in June 1897.

Remarkable growth took place within the church during its first 10 years, as membership grew from a humble 43 to a membership of 332 by 1907.

Another 10 years saw the addition of Sunday School classrooms and brick veneer was added as the original frame structure was remodeled to meet the needs of the church, renamed Central Baptist in 1917.

By 1962 a new sanctuary was dedicated. The old sanctuary was torn down in 1979 to make way for a Children’s Building and new office complex. Looking toward future growth, the church purchased 35 prime acres on Upper River Road in 1997 and plans were underway to relocate the church to that property.

Central Baptist Church held a groundbreaking ceremony April 25, 2004 to begin construction of its new building that was completed in time for the first service held on December 4, 2005.

Fifteen pastors have served our congregation since 1897, along with many dedicated staff and ministry leaders. Rev. Milton C. Gardner was pastor from 1943 to 1964 and was named Pastor Emeritus in 1972.

The present Senior Pastor, Rev. Hugh DeLoach, served faithfully as Associate Pastor from 1985 to 2007. Today, Bryan C. Myers serves as Associate Pastor and Michael Kennedy serves as Assistant Pastor of Students. Central Baptist Church is currently seeking an Assistant Pastor of Music.