In 1882, Rev. Alphus Hawkins, W.W. Cannon, and 23 charter members started this church in old town Bridgeport. After meeting in the schoolhouse and two other sites, the congregation moved to its own one-room building here in 1895. Coal mining, cattle ranching, and the railroad brought growth, and by 1920 the church had 300 members and the Women's Missionary Union sponsored Blanche Groves as the church's first missionary to China. Later campus additions included a new sanctuary in 1925, an education building in 1947, a worship center in 1959, a family life center in 1980, and a new education building in 2000. The church also sponsored three missions, Cates St. Baptist Church, El Calvario Bautista, and First Baptist of Runaway Bay, and supported many other area endeavors.