​Six Baptists were numbered among the twenty-five persons who landed at the mouth of the Little Miami River on November 18, 1788. These were men of conviction and devotion, whose concern for the Baptist witness drove them to evangelize. The first church was organized in January, 1790. From this center, a missionary went out to preach the gospel and organize churches in Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties. 

The Hamilton-Rossville Baptist Church was organized in 1829. Meetings were held in homes at that time, but a brick meeting house was soon erected. The church was organized with twenty members, and grew rapidly. It was during these years that the subject of missions became of much interest and discussion. So much discussion and disagreement was involved that a division occurred in the Hamilton-Rossville Church in 1836. Of the sixty active members, only three stood favorable to the promoting of missionary enterprises.

Church Building, circa 1908

Building in 1936

Five years after the division of the Hamilton-Rossville church a group, still maintaining the missionary spirit, resolved to carry on worship services and called a part-time pastor. In 1841 the church officially organized as the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, Ohio. Little did that small band of believers, gathered in the home of Dr. Loami Rigdon, dream what great things God had in store for First Baptist Church. For through her doors would enter children, youth, and adults who would, in time, confess Christ as Savior, follow Him in the waters of baptism, and under the teaching and preaching of faithful ministers, prepare themselves for daily living. And out of her doors would come pastors, teachers, missionaries, directors of Christian Education, and dedicated laymen, who would go forth and witness to Christ’s saving grace and keeping power.

In 1858, a building was erected in the center of the city at a cost of $10,500. In the years to follow, an effective ministry was carried out. Mission zeal has never been lost by the church in a growing city. This has been evidenced by our church sponsoring five new churches: West Side Baptist Church, St. Clair Baptist Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Pleasant Run, and, most recently, Crossway Community Church.
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Under the leadership of Dr. John Brinkman (1928-1949), the groundwork for acceleration in the church’s progress was laid. In 1950, Dr Oliver W. Hurst continued the leadership of the congregation until 1963. The Reverend George B. Scripture came to pastor the church in 1963. It was during his ministry, after much prayer and searching, the property was acquired that became the site of our present church. On May 24, 1970, the congregation gathered in the Great Hall of a beautiful new edifice to dedicate the new facility to the glory of God.

Building in 1946, with addition

1976 - new building

The building, with its multi-purpose uses, attracted new families. The church grew in spirit and ministry. The evidence of God’s blessing was on every hand. In October 1973, Dr. Milan Johnson began his ministry here. In addition to the standard pastoral functions, Dr. Johnson concentrated his time and energy promoting stewardship consciousness. Under his leadership, the church regained the financial strength to grow ministry. Our mission support to ABC/USA and to local missions attained new heights by dedicating 16% of giving to missions.

In November, 1979, Dr M. Douglass Willey began his ministry with the church. In addition to normal duties, Dr. Willey dedicated a great deal of time and energy on crisis and home visitation. With his leadership, the congregation voted to build a sanctuary adjacent to the multipurpose building. He was a tireless worker and placed a great deal of emphasis on evangelism. Dr. Willey was a powerful expository preacher and had a great love for teaching.

In February, 1990, Dr. Dennis Metzger became the senior pastor and remained until his retirement in June, 2013. His ministry was the longest tenure for a senior pastor in First Baptist’s history. Pastor Den’s strength was discipleship training through pulpit preaching and his deep commitment to missions. Through his leadership, our church began, in 2006, contributing 21% of giving to missions. In addition, he would often participate with our congregation on annual mission trips, both in the United States and on foreign soil. He would also lead a large group from our church annually to the Green Lake Mission Conference. 

Current church building, with sanctuary.

Dr. Daniel Clemens, began his ministry at First Baptist in November, 2014.  Pastor Dan came with a unanimous call to lead FBC Hamilton toward a vision of revitalization and being “a light on the hill with a heart for the community”.  Pastor Dan has recently stated:  “I believe three years from now, by the end of 2019, FBC Hamilton will be a congregation who does an excellent job of reaching out with the gospel of Jesus Christ through:
 
1) exciting and dynamic families with children ministries
2) relevant youth and young adults’ ministries
3) purposeful and caring senior adults’ ministries
4) relational and supportive community groups
5) inspirational and application-focused worship
 
These are the essentials we will give priority to for time, energy, facilities and resources.  We will remain a strong missions church both in giving and service.”