Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God . . . and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Matthew 16:16, 18b

First Baptist Church was founded in 1880 in Bracktown Kentucky.

As history goes, the Lewis Campbell family invited a country preacher, Rev. Dorrah Scott, into their home for a “cottage” revival meeting. It was during this meeting that twelve persons, Alexander Price, John Anna Smith, Bettie Maxberry, Cobbe Alexander, Smith Olidge, Richard Parker, Jennie Jackson, Carrie Higgins, Lula Epperson, Bettie Buckner, Katie Waters and John Scott, confessed with their mouths, the Lord Jesus Christ and were baptized.

With his steps ordered by God, Rev. Scott, with the assistance of Rev. Steward and Rev. Evans of Main Street Baptist Church and Br. Louis Lewis of Zion Hill Baptist Church, organized First Baptist Church Bracktown. During this time, church services or church meetings were held in various homes.

Rev. Scott labored with the young church for nearly two years and then returned to lead again after the short tenures of Rev. Stewart, Rev. J. Chinn and Rev. S. P. Young.

On August 15, 1880, after Rev. Scott returned to First Bracktown, the congregation purchased one acre of land from Mr. Rufus Lisle with a one hundred dollar cash payment and one hundred dollar due within one year from the date at the rate of 6% per annum until paid. The note was paid in full on November 14, 1884. Both a church house and school house stood on this site. A portion of the one acre is the location of our present sanctuary (and the remainder of the land was sold in 1930 for the construction of Highway 421).

In 1890, the Holy Spirit led the congregation to begin constructing a sanctuary. The property was mortgaged to Mr. Lisle on April 10, 1890 for security on $1,300 - the cost of material and construction of the church. The mortgage was signed by three trustees, Frank Jackson, Alex Price and Smith Olidge. Each man signed the mortgage with the letter “X” because they were illiterate. However, although these men could not read and write, they were wise enough to apply their hearts and minds to the wisdom of God. The debt was paid in full and the mortgage released on April 29, 1902.

Pastors of First Bracktown:
1. Rev. Dorrah Scott 2. Rev. Stewart 3. Rev. J. Chinn 4. Rev. S.P. Young 5. Rev. Isaac Fuller 6. Rev. Milton Wilson 7. Rev. J.H. Mason 8. Rev. G.K. Offutt 9. Rev. Percy Turner 10. Rev. J.A. Smith 11. Rev. R. W. Richmond 12. Rev. T.H. Peoples 13. Rev. W.M. Garlington, Jr. 14. Rev. Dr. C.B. Akins, Sr.
Mouse over a pastors name to view his image.

Our current sanctuary was completed in 1931 under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Mason. Col. E. R. Bradley, millionaire and owner of Idle Hour Farm made a liberal financial contribution toward the building project. First Baptist Bracktown still worships in this sanctuary today.

For the past 20 years, First Baptist Bracktown has been under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. C.B. Akins, Sr. Here at First Bracktown, “Our sole business is soul business and nobody can star but Jesus.”