Site of the 1891 First Baptist Church of Palmetto

The Palmetto Baptist Church was organized on January 5, 1892. A few months later, a wooden building was erected on this site where the new church is located today. The Rev. R.H. Whitehead, who spearheaded the church's establishment, became its first pastor. There were 22 charter members, 18 of whom transferred from the Benevolence Baptist Church, which was organized in 1868 and located, on Frog Creek several miles north of Ellenton. A brick church was begun on this site in 1923 and completed in 1926. This church building was torn down when the new church was built.

The historical marker from this site at 11th Ave West in Palmetto reads, " The Palmetto Baptist Church was organized on January 5, 1892, and a few months later its first building was erected on this site. The Reverend R.H. Whitehead, under whose leadership the church was constituted, became its first pastor. Dr. M.B. Harrison and W.H. Harrison were elected deacons. They also were named trustees, together with John W. Mitchell, M.C.Davis, and W.M. Rowlett. There were 22 charter members, 18 of who transferred from the Benevolence Baptist Church, then located on Frog Creek several miles north of Ellenton. The original frame structure was torn down and replaced by the present brick building in 1926." In 2017, significant additions and renovations were made as the church added a welcome center.

This entry was created by Palmetto Historical Park staff using Palmetto Historical Park’s records and photos.