This Primitive Baptist congregation’s first church is thought to have been built around 1785 near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Garrett Road, about a half mile from the present building. The congregation grew enough that the structure had to be enlarged in 1788. In 1803, groups of members were dismissed to form congregations at Smithwick’s Creek and Tranter’s Creek in Pitt County, and in 1804 a group was sent to the newly formed Conoho Log Chapel. Continued growth led to the erection of a much larger building in 1827, presumed to have stood not far from the present structure. In 1857, Joseph D. Biggs was given the old church site and any timbers from the old building that were not needed for the new construction. Work on the present building began in October 1857 with half the needed funds in hand, and the final cost was $1,784.12. The church has been an integral part of the Primitive Baptist organization in this part of the state. Cushing Bigg Hassell, who lived from 1809 to 1880, served as pastor from 1842 until 1876 and was considered by many the denomination’s leading preacher between 1850 and 1880. He also served as moderator of the Kehukee Association, the nation’s oldest Primitive Baptist Association, from 1859 until his death. His residence at 138 West Church Street in Williamston is one of the county’s Greek Revival landmarks. The church includes a balcony, and slaves and freed African Americans also attended the services. There are five such balconies located in Primitive Baptist churches.