First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama, gathers on Lakeshore Drive in the Homewood area, with roots in a Baptist congregation established in 1872. Its history includes the first Baptist baptismal service conducted in Birmingham, while its present life is known for Bible-based preaching, spiritually practical worship, varied congregational music, and ministries that connect children, students, adults, and seniors. The church's vision is to show and share the love of Christ, unite and disciple believers, and do so for the glory of God.
From a Railroad-Side Pond to Lakeshore Drive
In 1871, before the city bore the name Birmingham, the Southern Baptist Convention's Mission Board sent Rev. I.L.D. Hillyer to answer the call of the Great Commission. By spring 1872, Hillyer had led a small group to Christ and baptized them in a pond near the L&N Railroad Station. Rev. D.W. Gwin joined the work, and First Baptist Church was established on June 21, 1872. The Elyton Land Company gave the congregation land at 6th Avenue and 22nd Street on July 28, and a first building measuring 60 by 30 feet soon rose there. The congregation ended its first year with 22 members and a pledge of five dollars for association purposes.
Rev. John H. Hendon became pastor in 1877 and was affectionately known as the Pastor of Birmingham. A revival under his leadership brought hundreds to Christ, and more than 100 people joined the church. Rev. D.L. Purser, who first served as temporary minister during Hendon's illness and became full-time minister in 1884, organized the South Avondale, North Birmingham, West End, and Southside Baptist churches. A second building was dedicated in 1886. During A.J. Dickinson's 1901-1919 tenure, the congregation erected a larger Bedford Stone sanctuary. Nearly 2,000 people attended its Easter Sunday dedication on April 25, 1905, and its stained-glass windows remain part of the church's visual heritage.
Dr. J. Randolph Hobbs led the church to build a seven-story education building in 1926. Church offices and Sunday School rooms occupied the first four floors, while the upper floors were rented to help finance the project. The building also housed the Baptist Book Store until the store moved closer to central Birmingham in 1945. Hobbs also conceived the idea of a Baptist hospital in 1921 and chaired the commission that purchased West End Hospital, now Princeton. During the Depression, the church maintained its commitment to missions, and it became debt free on May 23, 1946.
In the 1980s, Dr. Andrew W. Tampling led a relocation from downtown to Lakeshore Drive, on land previously used as the home of Samford University's president. While the new sanctuary was under construction, Sunday worship met at Shades Cahaba School and Wednesday services took place at the Kopper Kettle restaurant. The first service in the new building came on Easter Sunday, March 30, 1986, followed by a Spring Bible Conference and dedication service on April 6. The sanctuary was enlarged and an education wing added in 1991. Dr. Stan Lewis served as senior pastor from 2007 until 2012, and Dr. Jim Cooley has led the church as senior pastor since August 2014.
Sunday at 2209 Lakeshore Drive
Sunday worship at 2209 Lakeshore Drive begins with Sunday School at 9:00 a.m., followed by morning worship at 10:15 a.m. and an evening service at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prayer services are at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. First-time guests can use the side parking lot near the drop-off area, where marked Visitors spaces are available. Greeters welcome people at the sanctuary entrance, offer a worship guide, and provide a small gift. Clothing ranges from suits and sport coats to jeans and sneakers, so worshipers are encouraged to dress comfortably. During the offering, guests are invited to place their visitor card in the offering plate.
The service centers on worshiping and glorifying Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Music may be led by the congregation, choir, soloists, or ensembles, but its purpose is to help the church know Christ and make Him known. Dr. Cooley's weekly message is Bible-based and spiritually practical, seeking a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. FBC presents worship as a communal practice rather than a performance; everyone is meant to sing, pray, and participate. Livestream worship is available on YouTube, with Facebook Live as another option. Sermon recordings and a weekly podcast make messages available beyond the sanctuary.
The church office can be reached at 205-870-3888 or office@fbcbhm.org.
Groups for Children, Students, Adults, and Seniors
Sunday morning Bible study is built around groups that share life together and support one another in faith. Greeters can help a visitor choose a class based on age or learning style. The church's range includes rooms for infants, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, elementary grades, students, college students, young adults, married adults, adults ages 40 and older, men, women, and adults 60 and older.
Children and Students
Children's Bible study begins at 9:00 a.m. for infants through fifth grade, with age-specific rooms for each stage. At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Bible Drill focuses on memorizing God's Word. On Wednesday, children's music meets from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and the children's missions group meets at 6:30 p.m. to learn about needs both around the world and nearby. Students in grades 6-12 have separate Sunday classes for boys and girls at 9:00 a.m. Their Wednesday gathering at 6:00 p.m. includes worship, biblical teaching, and individual growth and discipleship. The youth ministry also takes part in choir tours, WorldChangers construction trips, weekend retreats, and service to the church and community.
College and Young Adults
College and young adults are reached through the Sojourner ministry, which calls university students sojourners in the Birmingham area. Its supports include help finding a host family, a Thursday discipleship group, ministry and service opportunities, and care packages at the beginning of each semester and again during finals. A complete supper is served at 5:00 p.m. every Wednesday.
Adults and Seniors
Adult groups include College and Young Professionals for ages 18-30, Redeemed for young married adults, Followers for adults 40 and older, separate groups for men and women, and several classes for people 60 and older. The senior adult ministry begins with Sunday groups and continues each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with singing, prayer, an in-depth Bible study, and a shared meal. Third-Thursday excursions and lunch gatherings also bring seniors together for a quarterly outing or a meal.
Music for the Whole Church
For First Baptist, music is a holy banquet of praise. The worship ministry seeks to encourage the church, teach one another, and live out the Gospel through song. Its services draw on a broad range of styles so a diverse congregation can sing. The whole church is invited to take part in singing, playing, praying, preparing, and practicing. The Worship Choir leads Sunday morning services and rehearses Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. The Instrumental Ensemble rehearses Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and plays in the 10:15 service; brass, woodwind, keyboard, percussion, and strings are welcome. A College Ensemble leads in services and on special mission projects and tours. Children's and student music, special music, solos, duets, trios, quartets, and ensembles provide further ways to participate.
Women Learning, Serving, and Caring
The Women's Ministry brings women together to grow in knowledge and love for the Lord, share the gospel, lend a hand, and encourage others. Sisters of Grace pairs women with another sister in Christ for a year of relationship. Precept Ministry emphasizes close observation and application of the Word and welcomes women from other churches. Healing Hearts provides fellowship and support for women who have lost their husbands, while Martha's Ministry prepares meals for the church family during times of bereavement. The Flower Ministry delivers Sunday flowers to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and homes who cannot attend because of health conditions, as well as for sympathy and new births. Women's Missionary Union meets for Bible study on the fourth Wednesday of each month and supports Green Springs Ministry with food and school supplies and the Mississippi River Ministry with backpacks for children and teenagers. Heart to Heart luncheons, a fall retreat, and community outreach also gather women for fellowship, teaching, prayer, and service.
Mission Work from Birmingham to the World
The missions commitment begins in Birmingham and extends through Alabama, the nation, and the world. First Baptist is associated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Alabama Baptist Convention. As a Southern Baptist Church, it supports missionaries through the Cooperative Program, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the Alabama State Board of Missions, the North American Mission Board, and the International Mission Board. It also sends short-term teams into local, national, and international mission projects. Dr. Rich Hutchens, now Associate Pastor Emeritus, spent years as an International Mission Board missionary in South America and the Middle East before joining the staff in 2015. The local emphasis includes Women's Missionary Union support for families and children, while short-term opportunities allow students and adults to serve through construction and other mission work. Giving is available online, by text, or by mailed or dropped-off check.
Scripture, Redemption, and a Shared Life
First Baptist's core values give its ministry a clear center. Purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ; Scripture is honored through biblical preaching, teaching, and living; and Redemption proclaims that people can be forgiven and transformed through the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual Formation is the work of developing disciplined believers who live and grow in truth and the application of God's Word. Community seeks to unite generations, races, and nationalities under the lordship of Christ through worship. Service helps believers discover and use their spiritual gifts, while Missions models Acts 1:8 in the community, state, nation, and world. Cooperation completes the picture, joining with other Christians, Bible-believing churches, and Biblically based organizations to accomplish Kingdom work. These commitments are visible in Bible teaching across age groups, music led by the congregation, practical service, and a continuing emphasis on sending people to serve locally and beyond. That combination of rooted conviction, intergenerational worship, and practical service remains the center of life at First Baptist Church of Birmingham.