First Baptist Church of James Island

~ ABOUT US ~
How to Become a Christian

ADMIT: Admit to God that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Repent, turning away from your sinful way. (Acts 3:19; I John 1:9).

BELIEVE: Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:11-13).

CONFESS: Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

ACCEPT CHRIST: If you want to accept Christ as your Savior, you may come to the altar while the invitation is being extended by the pastor. Give your life to Jesus today: Tomorrow may be too late. Jesus is the answer to your salvation.
In the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 1869, some faithful followers saw a need to worship together. The members found a suitable house on what is now Camp and Dills Bluff Roads. The Ferguson family, owners of the house, allowed it to be used for worship services. As the congregation, officers, and members saw the need for a traditional church, building the first wooden structure was erected and completed in 1869. A wood burning stove heated the church during the winter months. The first shepherd to guide First Baptist Church was Reverend Green, followed by the Reverends Frayer, Briton, Weston, Whaley, Grant, Alex White, Jack Dash and presently Pastor Benard J. Gadsden, Sr. The following auxiliaries were organized: the Deacon Board, Missionary Board, Trustee Board, Usher Board and the Sunday School Department. After many years of prayer, other auxiliaries were organized: The Deaconess, Progressive and Pulpit Aide Boards, Youth Auxiliary, Educational Committee, Girl and Boy Scouts, Youth and Sunbeam Choir. The church housed Charleston County Health Department Well Baby Clinic and operated a kindergarten and Day Care Center. Rev. Bernard J. Gadsden, Sr. was called to be the under-shepherd of this church in 1985. We are blessed to have a humble leader. Under his direction and leadership the Youth Department and Education Committee were revised. The Deacons Class and Bible Study were re-established and the following organizations and groups were created. The Gospel Choir, Hospitality Committee, Charleston Gospel Stars, the Brotherhood, a second adult Sunday School class, Junior Usher ( now Usher Board #2, the Young Womens Auxiliary (YWA), a Family Enrichment Group, Singles Ministry, Drama Ministry and the Gospel Music Workshop (organized in 1997 under the leadership of the late Sis. Zenobia Mitchell). Some of our greatest and proudest moments have been paying off the mortgage for the parcel of land across the street in 1978, burning the church mortgage in 1994, ordaining our first female minister, Rev. Gladys Grant, and ordaining several new deacons. Two former deacons, Leonard Moore, Sr., and Isaac Brown III have become licensed and ordained as ministers. We also ordained Rev. Chad Nobles and licensed his wife, Elizabeth Ann Nobles. In 2000, four God fearing men were ordained as deacons of the church. They were Deacons Josiah Cromwell, Henry Heyward, Randy Middleton, and Stuart Walters, Sr. Later, Rev. Aubrey Smalls was accepted as an associate minister of the church. As our members (Study to show thyselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, - Timothy 2:15). The members of this church welcome you today. It’s a privilege to have you worship with us, and we sincerely hope you get a blessing from the service and our website. It is our desire to be friendly people, giving a positive Christian witness in the spirit of worship