Upcoming Events

August 7th - Communion Sunday
August 21st - Casual Sunday
August 28th - Annual Choir Day

History

HISTORY Inspired by God and gathered together in His name in the fall of 1840, a band of baptized believers appointed an undershepherd by the name of Rev. Morris Henderson. Beale Street Baptist Church was the chosen name. It is the oldest continuous black congregation in Memphis.The founders and others met in an old dwelling house until it burned in 1860. Later, they acquired a lot for $5000 and held their early meetings in a brush arbor. Soon afterward, the present building, located at 379 Beale Street in Memphis, TN, was constructed. The architects were E. C. Jones and M. H. Baldwin.Beale Street Baptist Church was the first brick church in the Mid-South built by blacks. It is considered the MOTHER church of all black Baptist churches in the area. Additionally, according to the African American Guide to Cultural and Historic Sites, "the Historic First Baptist Beale Street Church (formerly known as Beale Street Baptist) is the first brick-constructed, multi-story church in the U. S. built for African Americans and is listed as the first African-American Missionary Baptist Church in the country."Many leaders have spoken here including President Ulysses S. Grant in 1880, U. S. Representative Oscar DePriest in 1930, and A. Phillip Randolph in 1944.Ministers who have served this church include: Reverends Morris Henderson, Scott Key, R. N. Countee, Taylor Nightingale, P. J. Jackson, Henry Clemons, J. P. Hurt, J. C. Bowers, J. L. Lewis, B. J. Perkins, George Al Long, and James A. Jordan, Pastor Emeritus. We are now under the leadership of Reverend David F. Helton, Sr., who became undershepherd in June of 1996. Under his leadership, much is being done for the uplifting of God's kingdom.First Baptist Beale Church has withstood the test of time for over 170 years and serves as a beacon for mankind and the community in dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Worship Opportunities and Ministries

Worship Opportunites and Ministries
SUNDAY9:15 a.m. - Sunday School -Sis. Donna Goodlett, Superintendent) Worship and Praise Service
11:00 a.m. - Community Outreach (Feeding the homeless)

WEDNESDAY
5:45p.m. Baptist Training Union - Sis. Lorraine Wilks,Director 7:00 p.m. - Missionary Meeting - Sis. Erma Robinson, Pres.
8:00 p.m. - Hour of Power - Rev. David Helton, Instr.
9:00 p.m. - Teacher's Meeting - Sis. Donna Goodlett, Supt.
Saturday 12:00p.m.Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - Bro. David Helton

Youth & Young Adult Meeting - Sis. Monica Helton & Sis. Doris Johnson, Advisors
Ushers' Meeting - Sis. Clarice Dockins, Pres.

Location and Telephone Number

Historic First Baptist Beale Street Church
379 Beale Street
Memphis, TN. 38103

901)522-9073

Thought for Today

"They say a brain is worth a little if we have not a tongue; but what is a tongue worth without a brain?"