Our History
The First Baptist Church of Vincennes was founded by the efforts of
Mrs. Mary Klapp Heberd. The first organizational meeting was held in
the John S. Gillespie home May 13, 1862. Mrs. Elza Wise was the first
member baptized by First Baptist in the winter of 1862 in the Wabash
River.
The history of churches is often marked by its houses of worship. The first church building was a white frame structure at the corner of Fifth and St. Peter Streets (now 5th and Broadway), dedicated May 6, 1864. This building was replaced by a building dedicated April 25, 1915. This building served the growing congregation until 1994. It is now the home of the Olde Towne Players Civic Theater. The present facilities at 2625 Wabash Ave. had ground breaking July 10, 1994 and were dedicated October 1, 1995. One evidence of the strength of the lay leadership of First Baptist is that the present church building was built without a pastor. A second floor Education wing was completed 2001.
To read the longer history of First Baptist church is to meet hundreds of godly men and women who have served and sacrificed for the sake of the gospel. Many fine leaders, both laity and clergy, have shepherded this flock. Long pastorates provide stable leadership and periods of growth. First Baptist has been blessed with long periods of godly leadership. The longest pastorate was that of Reverend Jack Davis serving 1953-1969. Rev. Ron Kerr (1969-80); Dr. Ken Stout (1980-88); Dr. Fred Johnson (1988-94); Rev. David Easter (1995-2002). Dan Clemens began his pastorate November 1, 2005.