Church History

How it all started...

In 1902 Rev. Boone, M.D., and individuals from the community organized Vancleave Baptist Church. Dr. Boone led the church in constructing its first building. Over the next four decades, VBC endured the destructive force of two separate hurricanes, one in 1906 and another in 1916 that destroyed the building. In the 1940’s VBC was forced to suspend regular worship meetings due to World War II. Despite these issues, the church continued to grow, as did the community, so that by 1950, more land was secured and a new, larger worship facility was constructed.
Continued growth, along with the desire to have a greater disciple-making impact on the community led VBC to construct an educational facility in the 1960’s, with a second floor being added in 1979. The additional space allowed the church to start a preschool program that continues to serve our community today. In 1979, the church voted to change the name from Vancleave Baptist Church to First Baptist Church of Vancleave.

Expanding the vision...

The 1980’s brought more growth to the community and the church, so much so that in 1986, the church voted to enter a building campaign, which included the construction of the worship center and more educational space.  Later in the 1990’s, a very aggressive building campaign included the multi-purpose facility, preschool and adult bible study areas.
During this same period, VBC purposed to have an influence beyond the community of Vancleave. This started with the church becoming a member of the Jackson County Baptist Association in 1938 and continued as the church committed to begin financially supporting the disciple-making efforts of Southern Baptist around the world through giving to the Cooperative Program. Beginning in the 1960’s, the Missional heart of VBC intensified as the church commissioned missionaries to France, Africa, Indonesia, and East Asia. Today, we have several members and former members of FBCV that are serving our Lord around the globe through a wide of array of disciple-making ministries.

Where we are headed...

From her humble beginnings as Vancleave Baptist Church in 1902, to where First Baptist Church is today, a lot has changed. Fortunately the two prominent characteristics that enabled FBC to overcome many obstacles in her 100 plus years of existence have not changed. FBC is still driven by her God given purpose, to make disciples, and FBC is still able to persevere in the face of opposition by the power of the always present, all powerful Lord. To him alone be all praise and honor!

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 8:30 am and 11:00 am