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The Reverend Moses Edwards Jr. of First Baptist Church in Chillicothe is promoting the congregation’s 200th anniversary celebration, which is being held July 12th-24th, 2024. Edwards was a guest on Litter Media LIVE- Special Edition. A Columbus Ohio native, Pastor Edwards has been leading First Baptist Church since August of 2023 and is only the 32nd pastor to serve the congregation in the 200 year history of the local church.
Litter Media’s Mike Smith spoke with Pastor Edwards on Special Edition. SEE THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW BELOW:
The first service for the congregation was on July 13th, 1824 in the basement of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Pastor David Nickens started the congregation and was at that time the first African-American Baptist pastor in the State of Ohio. After leading the Chillicothe church for several years, Nickens later started the first black Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Union Baptist Church)
First Baptist Church in Chillicothe was also a major participant in the Underground Railroad for run-away slaves from the South until the end of the Civil War.
The congregation moved into their current location at 65 West Fourth Street in the year 1867.
Bicentennial celebration activities for First Baptist Church will include a 6pm July 12th banquet at Bell Manor, with tickets available through the church. That banquet will also include the presentation of several awards to individuals who have played a major role in the African-American community.
The two week long celebration will also include tours at the church and at the David Nickens Heritage Center Museum.
