Inman First Baptist Church History
Only three months after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and as the Civil War came to an end, poignant, reflective revival meetings in our Inman area awakened a strong, spirit-filled desire for a new church. On Friday, July 28, 1865, a presbytery met, consisting of J. G. Landrum, T. J. Earle, and the elders of New Prospect, Mount Zion, and Holly Springs churches. With nineteen charter members, composed of nine men and ten women, Mount Calvary Baptist Church was founded. Originally meetings were conducted under a brush-arbor, first near Holston Creek and Gramling, and later on the north side of Windmill Hill. The name Mount Calvary was retained until March, 1904, when the church voted to change its name to First Baptist Church of Inman. On November 11, 1905, the name was changed to Inman Baptist Church until it became known as First Baptist Church in 1915.
Years later, when members began searching for a permanent, larger building site, William Gowan offered the church a purchase of five acres of land, which is the present site, for a sum of $100. The church received the title to the property in 1879. A small wooden building on the property was used for convening until 1896, when a brick structure was erected and in 1924 the auditorium was constructed. As of 2007, Inman First Baptist Church maintains a large sanctuary which seats over 650, two educational buildings and a large Family Life Center which houses a gymnasium, walking track, kitchen and other large meeting spaces. The buildings are situated on a total of 10.5 acres near the heart of downtown Inman.
The focus of Inman First is to exemplify the love of Christ through reaching out not only to members, but to those in need outside the walls of our own church family. We want to be the hands and feet of Christ to the community around us, and even the global family beyond.
We see God at work in a wide variety of programs and mission work which incorporate the spiritual gifts of members in all age groups. Some services are accomplished in groups, while others are manifested in the giving and spiritually motivated love and concern shown by individuals. We are experiencing a refreshing renewal of spirit and growth as our new pastor, Dr. Paul Moore, leads us in a healing revival of love and unselfish service. Dr. Moore came to IFBC in March of 2007.
The vision of Inman First Baptist Church is to become a compassionate community of believers who experience God, who become more like Jesus Christ, and who offer hope and help to our neighbors.
We plan to carry out our vision by existing to worship God, drawing people into His presence, guiding them into their spiritual journey, equipping them for ministry in the church and the world through using their spiritual gifts, and by providing a loving and caring community.
