Columbia is known for its vibrant faith community and the many contributions to local life made by churchgoers. With this story about First Baptist

Church of Columbia, The

Columbia Star begins a series of reports on some of the many and varied religious groups embedded in our daily life.

No one lives in Columbia long before learning the legends and lore centered on First Baptist Church of Columbia. What most people can tell you about First Baptist, even though they may never have set foot there, is (1) it was the site of the Secession Convention which kicked off the Civil War, and (2) the only reason it was not burned to the ground by Sherman’s army was the quick thinking of a custodian who pointed out the Methodist church a block away as the target they were seeking.

No historical documentation exists to confirm the custodian story, which has been widely accepted through the ages.

Dr. Wendell Estep, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Fact: Washington Street Methodist Church was burned by Sherman’s troops, and First Baptist escaped the torch.

The First Baptist church congregation dates back to the very earliest days of the capital city, having been organized formally in 1809 after a few years of informal meetings for worship and prayer. Dr. Jonathan Maxcy, the first president of South Carolina College (which became the University of South Carolina), gathered a small group of Baptists and preached to them starting in 1804.

The congregation was officially constituted in October, 1809, with 13 members: nine whites and four blacks. Fast–forward 200 years: Membership now stands at more than 5,000.

The modest early structures have evolved into an extensive physical plant now occupying the entire block of Sumter, Hampton, Marion, and Washington streets in the heart of downtown Columbia. Its current sanctuary, seating 3,400 and offering orchestra space and a choir loft for 250, was dedicated in 1992. It now regularly accommodates Christmas and Fourth of July programs along with concerts and regional meetings.

Sanctuary of First Baptist Church The latest addition to this campus is the Wendell R. and Lynda K. Estep Family Life Center, dedicated in 2006. Here Columbians have a place for physical activity and educational endeavors.

First Baptist provides several resources for Internationals including Sunday School and Bible classes and friendship events. These activities help foreigners with the English language and helps to integrate them into the local community.

This church’s Sunday services were first broad- cast via radio beginning in the 1930s. In 1956 the church began television broadcasting, which continues today and is the longest running program of its type in South Carolina and the nation. In 2006, digital broadcasting and closed captioning were added, and today, live webcast of the Sunday service is available on FBC webpage. The television ministry of First Baptist now reaches Greenville/Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach/Florence, Savannah and Augusta, Georgia.

Tens of thousands worship with the First Baptist Church each Sunday via television. Dr. Wendell Estep, senior pastor since 1986, expresses his outlook on this church this way: “Columbia’s First Baptist Church has a unique history and a confident future. Since 1809, the church has been located in the heart of Columbia, faithfully proclaiming the word of God and ministering to the community. For more than 200 years, First Baptist has been a “shining light” to our city. “The past is the foundation on which the future is built. First Baptist is blessed with a powerful children’s ministry, an exceptional student ministry, and an outstanding recreation program. Ministries, Bible studies, missions outreach and fellowship make First Baptist a spiritual home to thousands of Columbians.”