Gazing upon the First Baptist Church of Hapeville, one might wonder about the lives it has touched. This church has been more than just a place of worship. It has been a cornerstone of the Hapeville community since its early days. First Baptist Church joined the Atlanta Baptist Association in 1909. It opened its doors to the children and staff of the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home. The church served as their home church until 1968.
In 1924, the “Old Stone Church” sanctuary was dedicated. This was built with granite from nearby Stone Mountain. The church continued to grow. Educational units were added in 1949 and 1953. The current sanctuary was dedicated in 1965 under Dr. Bill Lacy’s leadership. The late 1960s brought challenges. Hapeville’s population declined. Schools and businesses closed. The Children’s Home moved. The Atlanta Airport expanded, taking a significant portion of Hapeville’s housing. Yet, First Baptist Church persevered. It even helped establish other churches like Stewart Avenue Baptist, Fairfax Baptist Mission, and Empire Boulevard Baptist Church.
The 1970s and 80s saw a renewed focus on growth under Rev. Ronald Hinson. The church implemented various community outreach programs. These included Lay Renewal Weekends, Daily Prayer Ministry, and a ministry for senior citizens. Mission activities expanded. The church sponsored a family from Laos. It also supported a Vietnamese Mission led by Rev. Minh Truong. This mission eventually became the first Vietnamese Baptist Church in Georgia, located just down the street.
In the 1990s, under Dr. Bob Wiley, the church focused on community engagement. It held events like Easter Egg Hunts, Carnivals, and Fall Festivals. These events served as a way to connect with the community and share their faith. First Baptist Church continued its community outreach into the 21st century. In 2013, it housed Family Life Ministries. This ministry has served over 10,000 people from five counties. It provides care and shares the message of Christianity. They even host “Backyard Kids Club,” a summer camp for underserved children.
The church has also hosted other congregations, including the Light of the World Family Church. This church used the First Baptist facilities before moving to its permanent location in 2016. First Baptist Church called Dr. Jim Starr as its first bi-vocational pastor in 2015. He focused on community engagement through initiatives like “Worship in the Park.” In 2016, a growing Hispanic Ministry found a home at First Baptist. In 2018, the church ordained two new deacons, Jermaine Barnes and Cecil Ward. Most recently, the Gateway Christian Academy began using the church’s educational space. This has further strengthened the church’s connection with the community. The First Baptist Church of Hapeville continues to adapt to the changing community. It remains a steadfast beacon of faith and service in Hapeville.