History of Our Church

The Ridgeway Baptist Church was organized in 1886 in the Methodist Church known as Ruff Chapel which still stands next to the current Post Office. Mr. Carpenter was the church's first pastor. In 1887, the original church building was constructed at the present site on a lot given to the congregation by Mr. J. B. Coleman. A 1930 letter from Rev. Willis to the members states that the purpose of the church was "to be enlisted in a great task as well as a beautiful fellowship. Our task is to make the world better, to oppose and defeat every foe to human life - to comfort and inspire, to warn and restrain people through the message of the Bible." In 1940, Rev. Gardener came urging the people to "live as Christ would have each one to love." In spite of gasoline rationing, the clerk reported, "...the services were well attended. The whole community was uplifted -- everyone was stirred and brought closer to God." In 1947, Rev. Keene became pastor. Under his guidance, the present parsonage was constructed for $7,544.91. In 1990, the parsonage was renovated adding two rooms and another bathroom at a cost of $45,000. Rev. Kennedy pastored between 1963-1973, retiring due to ill health. During his pastorate, the sanctuary was remodeled and a fiberglass baptistry was installed. New pews, new oil furnace and air conditioning were added. There was 25 baptisms during his ten year tenure, and 23 additions during the ministry of Rev. Bynum, 1981-1988. Rev. Hawsey served as pastor from 1989 to 1992, when he died of a massive heart attack. The church sign was build in his memory. Dr. Joe Parker became the supply pastor in March of 1992 and served as interim until November of 1992, when he was elected as pastor. Dr. Williamson came in January of 2005 following a one year term of Brian McKillop as interim.

History of Our Missions Program

First Baptist Church is a supporting church for Dan and Chrissy Winslow, a young couple heading to the mission field in Central Asia. Under the auspices of the Associatin of Baptists for World Evangelism, the Winslows hope to arrive on the field by early 2008. First Baptist also supports a wide variety of mission endeavors through the Metro-Columbia Association and the South Carolina State Baptist Convention.