In 1889, Georgia Baptists led by Reverend W. M. Carter organized New Hope Baptist Church in the village of Poplar Head, and Reverend Robert Nelson was called as the first pastor. In 1907, newly elected trustees incorporated its successor, the First Colored Baptist Church. In 1912, under pastor Dr. Thomas Bellinger of Pensacola, the church purchased land from the Saxon family, erected its original building, and renamed itself First Missionary Baptist Church. The pastorate of Reverend C. C. Clency began in 1926 but ended in a schism that resulted in creating North Highland Baptist Church. In 1940, the City of Dothan auctioned the church property for unpaid gutter and curb assessments. The church later regained ownership of its property and constructed its 1962 education building during the pastorate of Reverend Howard Creecy, Sr., of New Orleans. Reverend Rochester Johnson served from 1972 to 1992 and oversaw construction of a fellowship hall. The church buried a centennial capsule near the hall's entrance in 1989. The parsonage, parking lot, education wing, and fellowship wing complete the church's physical plant. First Missionary Baptist Church was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 2001, while Reverend B. K. Marshall was pastor.