First Baptist Church began in the home of participants with the original name
being Lydia Baptist.  In 1922 the name was changed to Cross City Baptist and in 1941
“First Baptist Church of Cross City” became the official name of the church.

In 1876 the section of Florida in which Dixie County is located was sparsely
populated and thickly wooded.  Wild animals were plentiful and most of the settlers
depended on the forests, to a large extent, for their livelihoods. Near Old Fish Bone Creek,
about a mile northwest of the site of the present First Baptist Church stood a small log school
house, with seats of split logs.  Here, in 1876 two preachers, Reverend D.F. Ward and
Reverend R.E. Reed preached a number of times.  These two men had been sent to this
part of Florida by the Florida Baptist Mission Board.  “Under the leadership of these
two missionaries, the Baptist Church was organized in 1878.

 FBC provided a Day Care Ministry from August 1985 until April 1990.  The
Day Care opened with a total of 31 children with the hope of reaching full capacity
in order to support itself.  During Karen G. Cooper’s tenure as director the school
peaked at 80 for s short time.  Karen went back to public school and after striving
for two years the church decided to discontinue the Day Care.   The enrollment in the
last few months was less than 30.

 The red brick church was destroyed by an attic fire in June of 1988.
Worship services were held in the Fellowship Hall until the New sanctuary
and Educational Building was completed in January 1991.

.  Dennis Bennett, Jude Chewning, Gary Holifield, Vessie Mills,
Gail Rains, and Ruby Welch were members of the building committee.  Larry Lord
was contractor for the new church.  He and his family became members in October
1990.  Under Bro. Willis’ guidance the 150-5 Plane and later the 200-5 Plan was
incorporated to help in financing the new building.  A plan that enabled every one to
participate.  There was a special “ New Sanctuary Launch Day” observed that resulted
in over $33,000.00 being raised.  The people are very generous and for the first time
in over five years, the church has paid off out-standing debts, the finances continue
to be good and the only debt is for the new building.

 Other donations have been made.  Mr. And Mrs. Warren Barber purchased the
Yamaha Grand piano for the New Sanctuary and Mr. And Mrs. Ray Warren purchased
the Rodgers Organ.  There have been several “work days”.  The church family has
turned out in record numbers to accomplish great things!

 Mr. Allen Harden became the Church’s first paid Minister of Music in 1961.
He served in this position for over 21 years and then came back to fill in when the church
was without a director.

 As the youth program grew, the need for Minister of Youth was combined with
music.  Norman Loges, Kerry Antley, James Enfinger and Mike Crammer have served
in this position.  

 Rev. John Willis served as Minister of Music and Youth from July 1991
until April 1998.  Ronnie Lambert served as song director of congregational singing
and Cheryl Smith served as part time Choir Director after John left.

 Rev. David Soden served as Minister of Music from September 1998 until
June of 2000.00 Ronnie Lambert became interim Music Director after David’s
resignation.

 Rev. Doug Sanders served as Minister of Youth/Children from September 1999
until spring of 2003.

 Fritz Fountain served as pastor from March 1994 until his resignation in
October 2000.  Bro. Cecil Seagle once again blessed First Baptist serving as
Interim  Pastor.

 In October 1990 the first Minster of Education and Activities at FBC
was called.  Mrs. Nancy B. Holifield works in this capacity.  She is experienced
in this area having served in numerous capacities with the youth and children.
FBC Bus Ministry and Children’s Funday activities in combined efforts with the
dedicated workers in all church areas contributes much to the growth First
Baptist Church of Cross City is now experiencing.  There have been 35 additions
to the church since October 1990, no losses.  Church membership new totals 540
        ML/1991

              History Notes
 

 The church body on Sunday A.M. September 25,1988 voted on the
recommendation of the Research and Recommendation committee and the FBC
Deacons “to dispose of the existing sanctuary and to erect a new sanctuary.  In
addition, to establish a separate bank account for the sole purpose of constructing
a new sanctuary, the first deposit being $51,368.20, the sum received from the
Insurance Co.  Any withdrawal from this account for any other purpose will have
to be brought before the church for approval.”  The vote was cast by secret ballot.
173 voting “yes” and 49 voting “no”.  The announcement was made of the the over-whelming
vote and the church was asked to stand in unanimous agreement of support of the
vote.  Everyone stood.  The church is really going forward.  There has been a complete
turn around since this time last year.  The bills are being paid on time, the Day Care
is doing well, people are giving and the Lord is blessing with new members.
        ML 10/88
P.S. The church in-debtness sinceSept. 1987 ahs gone from over $46,000.00 to
$15,000.00!  We gave over $46,000.00 to missions other than our own ministry
of the CDC!

 October 31,1988..... Started disposing of the old Sanctuary building this date.
Herman Herring and Son got the contract for the work.  They started inside because we
are holding revival services in the Fellowship Hall this week.  They will do all they can
inside the old building so as not to create problem for parking.  Luther Mills, Sam Futch,
Jerry Dixon, J. Doyle Thomas and Jude Chewning are Trustees. Pat Gooding, Chrmn.
Of Disposal Committee and Rev. H. Wesley Willis, Pastor.