In 2009 we celebrated the 145th anniversary of First Baptist Church of Mocksville.  It was in a church conference on September 22, 1849 that Eaton Baptist Church authorized its pastor to open the church doors in the town of Mocksville for the reception of members.  There is no record of any member having been received or any other efforts to establish a Baptist Church in Mocksville until nearly fifteen years later.

Records indicate that in February, 1864, Fork Baptist Church granted letters of dismission to five members to join in organizing a Baptist Church in Mocksville.  In April 1864, Reverend Moses Baldwin was called as the first pastor.  Worship services were held once a month, and nine members were added to the membership during his pastorate.  He remained as pastor of the church until the first Sunday in September, 1867.

The small congregation was encouraged to build a sanctuary, and in 1873, a one-acre lot on the west side of Huntsville Road (North Main Street) was bought, and a small one-room building was erected.  The building was ready for occupancy in 1875.  The church began to grow and in 1916, the members were exploring the possibility of a larger building.  Construction was started, and the building was dedicated on Sunday, September 1, 1918.

Reverend Lloyd M. Holloway was called as the first full-time pastor of the church on August 20, 1919.  The church eventually adopted an organized budget, and contributions to all church-related causes increased.  The missionary organizations grew and became more active as well as other church programs.

The church experienced a new period of growth beginning in 1930.  In each pastorate new programs were adopted and goals for attainment were constantly met.  Additions were made to the 1918 structure for educational use under the leadership of Reverend Waff and Reverend Fulghum in 1930 and 1939.  The Cooperative Program was included in the budget for the first time in 1937.  The church held its first Vacation Bible School in that same year.

Under the leadership of Reverend J.P. Davis, two educational units were added, the sanctuary was redecorated and carpeted, and the name changed from Mocksville Baptist Church to First Baptist Church.  During his pastorate, a mission was established in 1960 which is now known as Blaise Baptist Church.

Reverend Fred Barnes became pastor in 1962.  Under his leadership the church budget more than doubled; the present sanctuary was completed in 1967; and an additional staff member was added with responsibilities in music.  The church has had a number of people serve in that capacity on a full-time and part-time basis since that time.  

Reverend Charles E. Bullock was called as pastor in 1968 and served until 1983.  Under his leadership new programs were established and a greater sense of fellowship developed.  A new parsonage was completed in 1972.  Church indebtedness was liquidated, and a new activity bus was purchased.

Reverend W. Paul Riggs became pastor in 1984.  Plans for a new lodge at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly were already underway.  The lodge was completed and dedicated in 1985.

In September of 1991 Larry Hovis began his ministry with 600 church members and a budget of $223,000. The church purchased the Bowman property beside the church and a grand piano was placed in the sanctuary.  

In January of 2001 Dr. Van Lankford began his ministry. An additional staff position was added, Associate Pastor/Minister of Youth. A new, contemporary worship service began and a complete renovation of our existing sanctuary occurred in the fall of 2002. In 2005 the church purchased the Mando property. The house was renovated and the new church offices were opened in January of 2008.

Reverend A. Shane Nixon became pastor in March 2011.

Many people have given of themselves, their time, and their financial resources as First Baptist Church of Mocksville has moved forward.  In a sense, the work has only just begun.  The church comes to this point in her pilgrimage with a more clear understanding of the future.  It is the prayer of the church family that we will grow in usefulness and influence and the church of Christ in the world.