Damascus Baptist Church began in 1890 with 12 charter members. The Rev. David Skiles was chosen as the first pastor and M. W. Wadsworth as first elder. Services were held in the nearby Nebo community schoolhouse until about 1895, when the addition of 40 new members during a revival meeting prompted plans for a larger, more permanent church building. Amy Wells donated three acres for church and cemetery purposes in 1895, and Mr. and Mrs. D. B. McDowell donated 1.5 acres across the road with a spring that provided water for the congregation. The first sanctuary was completed in 1896, and at that time Amy Wells named the church Damascus, presumably for the Damascus in a Bible story related to the conversion of the Apostle Paul. The Rev. Robert Gorsline became the first full-time pastor in 1948. Baptisms were held in a nearby creek and pond until 1956, when an indoor baptistry was included in a new brick sanctuary. Over the years additional facilities were built to house educational and fellowship programs, and the congregation remains active in missionary work and in providing spiritual guidance for the community.