First Baptist Guthrie History
Five months after the famous Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, the First Baptist Church of Guthrie came into existence. Rev. H.P. Wigley of Great Bend, Kansas, assisted by Rev. A. Turner, a white evangelist from Colorado, founded a Baptist church for black people to be known as First Baptist Church on September 19, 1889. The first congregation consisted of eight faithful members: Rev. and Mrs, H.P. Wigley, Mr. and Mrs. A. Potere, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Smith, Mr. W.M. Stewart and Mr. Samuel Withers. Guthrie rapidly became a thriving community in the Oklahoma territory and as Guthrie grew so did the membership of First Baptist. Rev. Wigley guided the flock for several years and was succeeded by Rev. Fantroy. Services were held in buildings located on West Vilas Ave. and at 417 S. Broad St. After the first ten years the church was financially able to build a stately red brick structure with beautiful stained glass windows at the corner of Springer and Broad. The sanctuary was spacious and included a pulpit, choir stand and three sections of seats. Rev. S.S. Jones was pastor at this time and his name and the year 1899 is engraved on the cornerstone which has been preserved.
For the past thirty one years Rev. Hersey L. Hammons, Jr. has led the flock as pastor. First Baptist continues to progressive in ministry in the community of Guthrie. With the emphases on ministry, the church has developed a variety of ministry programs. Youth, Ministry to the elderly, outreach and evangelism are focal points in the life of First Baptist. Under the leadership of Pastor Hammons, the church now has an Evangelism School ministering to the community of faith. First Baptist Church is actively involved in the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., Oklahoma Baptist State Convention and the East Zion District Association. First Baptist is also involved in addressing the social problems in the community of Guthrie. As a full time ministry in the community of Guthrie, the challenges are greater than ever before trying to reach the lost for Jesus Christ. “A Church With A Mission And A Message” serves to remind the congregation of its ministry in the world. First Baptist has been a beacon light in the City of Guthrie and has striven to follow God's commandments. With faith and God's grace, the church will continue to grow and live on.