First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church has been an important landmark in Burlington since it was constructed in 1924. It is home to congregation founded in 1887 and is an excellent example of Neoclassical architecture. The original portion of the building features a large portico with Ionic columns and pediment. Additions were built in later years. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

First Baptist emerged from the community's first congregation, which was called Union Church. Union Church was established in 1869 and its members were comprised of various Protestant denominations. On July 28, 1887, thirteen Baptists formed First Baptist Church. The congregation met in Union Church until it built its first church, a wood-frame building, in 1891. It was located across the street of where the present church is now. Over the coming years, the congregation grew. By 1919, there were more than 400 members. This growth prompted the congregation to plan to build the current church. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1924. An educational building was erected in 1944 and a chapel and Sunday school building was constructed in 1968. A modern addition with a steeple was also added.

Roberts, Claudia P. "First Baptist Church." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 31, 1984. https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/nr/AM0654.pdf.