The organization of First Baptist began March 1851, when Lancaster Baptist Church granted enslaved members petition for a black preacher to conduct their service. The slaves were organized under Rev. Bob Irvine with permission to
preach to and baptize slaves. In 1854 they were granted a separate service, held on Sunday evenings.
Reverse Description:
In 1866, several black members applied for letters of dismissal to form their own church. Petition was granted & by 1870, all black members had applied for & received letters of dismissal. The first meeting place was located at the corner of N. Campbell & Buckeye Rd. In 1871, present structure built on South Paulding St. in Duncantown.
