Gilgal Baptist Church was organized in September 1828 with 13 charter members. Its first pastor, Joab Pratt, served 13 years and received 324 members, including 135 during a revival in October 1834. In its early years, the church fostered ministry to slaves. Its original log church house was built in 1828 and was replaced by a larger wood structure in 1856, which serves as the fellowship hall today. The present brick structure was built in 1965. Dr. Basil Manly, second president of the University of Alabama and co-founder of Southern Baptist Seminary, served as pastor from 1850 to 1851. Alvia W. Thompson, an outstanding layman, served as church clerk for 50 years. Larry H. Lee has served as pastor since 1973.