How it all started...
A Legacy of Faith in Southeast Ohio
The story of First Southern Baptist Church is not one of mere bricks and mortar, but of a persistent Gospel heartbeat in Meigs County. What started as a small fellowship in a Pomeroy living room in 1968 has evolved into a multi-generational mission to see Southeast Ohio transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ.
Foundations & First Steps (1968–1975)
Our journey began on August 22, 1968, fueled by a simple desire for local fellowship. Led by George Bryant, the initial group gathered in the home of Hershel and Rhojean McClure. These rotating meetings weren't just social calls; they were the seeds of a new local body. By April 1969, we officially organized as a Chapel, launching our first public service with 23 people on East Main Street. The vision was clear from day one: to be a people rooted in the Gospel.
Expanding the vision...
Establishing a Home (1976–1985)
In the late 1970s, the congregation took a significant step of faith. Under the leadership of Pastor Paul White, the church secured our current property on Pomeroy Pike. This era was defined by a "boots-on-the-ground" ministry—literally. In 1982, Carpenters for Christ traveled from Alabama to help us raise our first building. We celebrated our first service in the new sanctuary on July 4, 1982—a true Independence Day marking a new era of ministry freedom and permanent presence in the community.
A Heart for Multiplication (1986–2019)
A church is healthy only when it is looking outward. During the long-term leadership of Pastor Lamar O’Bryant and subsequently David Brainard, First Southern became a mother church. We didn’t just grow our own walls; we helped build others, sponsoring:
Lakeview Baptist Chapel (Hamden, 1997)
Countryside Baptist Chapel (Kerr, 2002)
Through "Together We Build" campaigns and the strategic acquisition of adjacent ministry space, we prepared the soil for the next generation of believers.
Where we are headed...
The Future: Revitalization & Renewal (2024–Present)
Today, under the leadership of Pastor Josh Fisher, First Southern is experiencing a season of holy renewal. We are returning to our core identity: a Gospel-transforming, disciple-making, family-centered community. We aren't just looking back at what God did; we are leaning into what He is doing now. Our mission remains unchanged: to help our neighbors Discover Jesus, Grow in Faith, and Live Sent.
Today, under the leadership of Pastor Josh Fisher, First Southern is experiencing a season of holy renewal. We are returning to our core identity: a Gospel-transforming, disciple-making, family-centered community. We aren't just looking back at what God did; we are leaning into what He is doing now. Our mission remains unchanged: to help our neighbors Discover Jesus, Grow in Faith, and Live Sent.
