Church History

For more than a century, Central Baptist Church has faithfully served the Phenix City community while proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The story of Central Baptist is one of faith, vision, sacrifice, and God’s continued blessing across multiple generations. What began in 1922 as a small gathering of devoted believers has grown into a thriving church family committed to loving God, loving people, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.

On November 20, 1922, seventeen Christians gathered in the home of J. E. Shipman on Broad Street with a vision of establishing a new Baptist church in Phenix City. As the group grew, they met for prayer and worship in the home of Mrs. M. A. Rutledge while making plans for the future.Their faith and determination led to the purchase of property on what is now the corner of 14th Street and 7th Avenue, where they built the church’s first sanctuary before ever calling a pastor.

In June 1923, Central Baptist Church called Dr. J. J. Justice as its first pastor. Under faithful leadership and a growing congregation, the church quickly became an important part of the community.As membership increased, the church began expanding its facilities to support worship, discipleship, and ministry opportunities.

In 1939, the church completed its first educational building to provide additional Sunday School and classroom space.As the congregation continued to grow, additional educational facilities became necessary. In 1951, the Cook Memorial Building was completed and dedicated in honor of Rev. W. H. Cook and his faithful service to the church.

Following World War II, the church recognized the need for a larger sanctuary. Beginning in the 1950s, church leaders and members purchased property throughout the surrounding block to prepare for future growth. Under the visionary leadership of several pastors, land was acquired over many years to make a new sanctuary possible. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on November 8, 1964. The present sanctuary was dedicated on September 5, 1965. Its beautiful Greek Revival design and distinctive 100-foot steeple quickly became one of the most recognizable landmarks in Phenix City.

In 1988, Central Baptist Church completed Hammock Hall. The building was dedicated in honor of Rev. and Mrs. W. R. Hammock and their nineteen years of faithful ministry to the church. The facility provided additional classroom space and a social center, supporting the church’s growing educational and fellowship ministries.

Under the leadership of Rev. Dexter James, Central Baptist experienced significant ministry expansion. The church established a bus ministry, launched Kidz Central daycare, acquired additional property for future growth, and eventually completed the Family Life Center in 2009.

Today, the Family Life Center provides space for recreation, community events, fellowship gatherings, and ministry activities that serve both the church and the surrounding community.

Throughout its history, Central Baptist Church has remained committed to local, state, national, and international missions. Through the Cooperative Program, Vacation Bible School, mission offerings, community outreach efforts, and countless volunteer hours, church members have faithfully shared the love of Christ both near and far.

More than 100 years after those first believers gathered together in faith, Central Baptist Church remains committed to the mission that has guided generations of members: