How it all started...
Since 1907, the First Baptist Church of Chatsworth has stood at the foot of the North Georgia Mountains as a beacon of faith, hope, and compassion, bringing God's people together to worship, pray, serve, and evangelize. The story begins in the early 1900s, when the town of Chatsworth was chartered in 1906, spurred by the construction of a railroad depot in 1905. As the community grew, so did the spiritual needs of its people.
A small group of devoted women—the Ladies Aid Society—recognized the need for a Baptist church in this new town. Members included Mrs. S. M. Barnett, Mrs. Floreny Bradley, Mrs. W. S. Cox, Miss Lula Gladden, Miss Martha Holbrooks, Mrs. Tom Moreland, and Mrs. Hardy Rhyne. United in prayer and vision, these women laid the groundwork for what would become the First Baptist Church of Chatsworth. In 1907, the church was officially founded with thirteen charter members, and Brother J.W. Butts was called as its first pastor in 1909.
The church's first services were held in a schoolhouse on 5th Avenue built in 1906. As the congregation grew, the need for a dedicated building became clear. Thanks to the donation of land by the Chatsworth Land Company and support from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the church erected a modest one-room frame structure at the corner of Cherokee Street and 3rd Avenue. Through the sacrificial efforts of the Ladies Aid Society—who even served as the church’s first deacons to secure a loan—the building was completed in 1909 at a cost of $1,030.62.
A small group of devoted women—the Ladies Aid Society—recognized the need for a Baptist church in this new town. Members included Mrs. S. M. Barnett, Mrs. Floreny Bradley, Mrs. W. S. Cox, Miss Lula Gladden, Miss Martha Holbrooks, Mrs. Tom Moreland, and Mrs. Hardy Rhyne. United in prayer and vision, these women laid the groundwork for what would become the First Baptist Church of Chatsworth. In 1907, the church was officially founded with thirteen charter members, and Brother J.W. Butts was called as its first pastor in 1909.
The church's first services were held in a schoolhouse on 5th Avenue built in 1906. As the congregation grew, the need for a dedicated building became clear. Thanks to the donation of land by the Chatsworth Land Company and support from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the church erected a modest one-room frame structure at the corner of Cherokee Street and 3rd Avenue. Through the sacrificial efforts of the Ladies Aid Society—who even served as the church’s first deacons to secure a loan—the building was completed in 1909 at a cost of $1,030.62.
Expanding the vision...
As the church flourished, so did its mission and physical footprint. On September 5, 1943, the congregation moved into a new brick building on the corner of 4th Avenue and Market Street. This building, now known as the chapel, was made possible by a generous donation of land from Alvin and Lou C. Jones. The 1940s also saw the addition of an organ through the efforts of the Philathea Sunday School Class.
In the 1950s, First Baptist purchased the DeSoto Hotel for additional Sunday school space until the completion of the Education Building. By 1955, the congregation celebrated the dedication of an educational wing to meet the growing needs of the church. Later, on January 18, 1970, the current sanctuary was dedicated on the site of the former DeSoto Hotel, adjoining the 1943 chapel.
In the 1950s, First Baptist purchased the DeSoto Hotel for additional Sunday school space until the completion of the Education Building. By 1955, the congregation celebrated the dedication of an educational wing to meet the growing needs of the church. Later, on January 18, 1970, the current sanctuary was dedicated on the site of the former DeSoto Hotel, adjoining the 1943 chapel.
Through every expansion, the church continued to focus on its mission, serving as a cornerstone of the Chatsworth community and dedicating itself to raising funds not only for its own needs but also for the needs of others.
Where we are headed...
Today, First Baptist Chatsworth stands proudly on Market Street, across from the Murray County Courthouse. Over a century after its founding, the church remains committed to its mission of glorifying God and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Just as its founders prayed for guidance, today’s congregation continues to seek God’s direction in reaching the lost, serving the community, and being a light for Christ in the world. As the church looks to the future, it honors its rich history while embracing opportunities to grow and serve in new ways, ensuring its legacy of faith endures for generations to come.
Jones, J Estill. First Baptist Church of Chatsworth 1907-2007: Celebrating 100 Years. Derek Press.
Whitfield-Murray Historical Society, The Murray County History Committee. Murray County Heritage. Wolfe Publishing, 1987.
Just as its founders prayed for guidance, today’s congregation continues to seek God’s direction in reaching the lost, serving the community, and being a light for Christ in the world. As the church looks to the future, it honors its rich history while embracing opportunities to grow and serve in new ways, ensuring its legacy of faith endures for generations to come.
Jones, J Estill. First Baptist Church of Chatsworth 1907-2007: Celebrating 100 Years. Derek Press.
Whitfield-Murray Historical Society, The Murray County History Committee. Murray County Heritage. Wolfe Publishing, 1987.
