First Baptist Church of Hamilton

Outgrowth of earliest known religious work in this county--preaching by Baptist Elder D. S. Babb, 1867-73. Organized in 1873. Known charter members: Col. G. R. Freeman, S. C. Messer, J. P. Murphree, Mrs. Elizabeth Rice, Capt. A. H. Watson, and W. B. West. The first pastor was the Rev. Dave White. In 1874 joined the Leon River Baptist Association, to which in 1875 its 18 members gave $12. After meeting in Capt. Watson's box schoolhouse (305 East Henry), the Courthouse and the Presbyterian sanctuary, members in 1896 built a native stone church. Present structure was erected in 1971.