The congregation's oldest record dates from September 16, 1787. Its members first worshipped at a site 1½ miles northwest, deeded to them by Joseph Woodruff, who fought in the Revolutionary War. In 1798, the church adopted the name Bethel, meaning House of God. Its first building was a log cabin, and in its early years it held large outdoor revivals and provided a school for the community. As the church grew, larger meeting houses were built. In 1911, the congregation changed its name to First Baptist Church and moved into a brick sanctuary on Main Street, one block east of the old church grounds and cemetery. The church moved to its present site in 1962 after the education buildings were completed, with services held in the fellowship hall until the sanctuary was built in 1973. An 800-pound bell used by the church since 1888 hangs in the present steeple.