History:

In 1874, a half-acre on Second Street in Rossville, TN, was purchased for $50 by a church that would be known as the Baptist Church in LaFayette, and later was known as the Baptist Church of Rossville. Another half-acre was donated to the church. The congregation was a mix of Baptists and Methodists, the pastor was Rev. Millard Leake, a Methodist. In 1892, the Methodists built their own church and the Baptists were on their own.

By 1910, the Baptist church of Rossville had been through years of poverty and the yellow fever epidemics. The congregation was unable to support itself and they sold the building for $150 and it was torn down. The Baptist Church then met with the Methodists. The property was not sold but was used for a mule corral and an apple orchard.

In 1920, re-organization was begun by some of the original members and they met in the old Rossville schoolhouse. In 1922, the new church was built. The cost of the one-room, frame church, with 30 benches, a piano, carpet runner, wallpaper, window shades, screen doors, and coal stoves was $1200. The debt was paid within 11 months. BY 1926, the addition of 4 classrooms and brick were added. After a few more additions, the church stood in its basic form until 1997 and was then destroyed by fire.

Rossville Baptist had 30 different pastors from 1874 to 1990. In 1990, Bro. Chuck Quarles was called as pastor. In 1992, a "long range planning committee" mentioned building a new church on Highway 57.

In 1995, Dr. Dale Ellenburg was the pastor. Under his leadership, the church sold the building to Kirby Woods and purchased land on Highway 57. The church voted to change the name to First Baptist Church of Rossville. The church met in Rossville Academy from September 1996 to August 1997.

Bro. Charlie Shields became First Baptist of Rossville's 33rd pastor in February 1997. Through his leadership and with the help of Constructors for Christ and our own members, our present building was established.

On March 29, 1998, we dedicated this building. Many have been here through the trials and celebrations and we thank you for your devotion. And those who are new, thanks for your commitment to see this church become one of God's lighthouses.

First Baptist of Rossville exists to glorify God, according to His word, by equipping on another for His service by evangelizing at home and abroad.