First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church History
First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church was formerly known as, Independent Baptist Church.
In 1817 the first white baptist church was established in Frankfort, KY at the SW corner of Broadway and Madison Street. The building was used interchangeably with all denominations. Black people that were brought to Kentucky by their owners were permitted to worship in the white church or in their private homes. Black people had designated sections in the church for seating. The saved black and white people were baptized and counted as members of the same church. Black people were not privileged to vote in church affairs for fear their vote would be a detriment to the church.
In 1817 the first white baptist church was established in Frankfort, KY at the SW corner of Broadway and Madison Street. The building was used interchangeably with all denominations. Black people that were brought to Kentucky by their owners were permitted to worship in the white church or in their private homes. Black people had designated sections in the church for seating. The saved black and white people were baptized and counted as members of the same church. Black people were not privileged to vote in church affairs for fear their vote would be a detriment to the church.
During the time slavery was recognized, black people were permitted to organize churches on September 24, 1832 the Board of Trustees made an organized effort to acknowledge the need for black people to have their own place of worship. The board members ruled that black people should not be forbidden to worship separately. Thia Black and John Ward established the first church for black people in Frankfort. The church was a small frame building which was nestled at the foot of the hill just beyond the penitentiary wall of North Frankfort. Mr. John Ward donated the ground where the church stood. The black baptist church was allowed to freely hold services until January 6, 1852 when they were banned due to a riotous incident during services. It was then ordered the church would be closed every night except one night in the week other than Sunday.
In 1865, at the close of the war between the states, the black baptists had seventeen independent churches in Kentucky. One of them was located in Frankfort. In researching the history of Frankfort and the black Baptist church, information supports that the Corinthian church is an off shoot of the First Baptist Church, Clinton Street, which began around 1832. As the result of church strife in the 1870's, the church split into two wings. One wing, called the Minority (presently known as the First Corinthian Baptist Church), withdrew and erected a house of worship on Mero Street. The other wing, called the Majority, retained the old house and continued to occupy it for many years. This church is now known as First Baptist Church. Corinthian Baptist church was rected onwhat was once the site of Cooper's pond, on the deepest portion of the bond.
The following members were elected as the first officers of the church: Thomas Lee, Moderator; John H. Thomas, Clerk;Tab Smith, Treasurer; Tab Smith, John H. Thomas, Frederick Blanton, William Crampton, Thomas Lee and Robert Parrent as Deacons. Rev. James H. Parrish of Louisville was ordained as the first Pastor on October 12,1876. Rev. C.C. Stumm succeeded Rev. Parrish on October 12,1879. Other ministers of the church were: Rev. Rueben Strauss, Rev. James M. Mason ad Rev. E. Richey. Rev. R.H.C. mitchell was called as Pastor on August 9, 1885. During the pastorate of Rev. Mitchell a harmonious relationship was reestablished between Independent and First Bapitst Church. In 1887 the new church was erected across the street from where the previous church was located. Rev. Mitchell remained Pastor for six years. Succeeding Rev. Mitchell was: Rev. W.H. Craighead and Rev. William A. Creditt.
At the regular church meeting October 20, 1892, Rev. Benjamin W. Farris was called to pastor the Indepedent Colored Church. Rev. Farris and W.H. Mayo, church Clerk by order of the church, were successful in having the church name changed to Corinthian Baptist Church.
Following the resignation of Rev. Farris came Re. W. E. DeClaybrook and Rev. D. S. Orner. Rev. E.T. Fishback was called to pastor the church June 1, 1898. The following ministers have served First Corinthian Baptist Church as pastor after Rev. Fishbak's departure around 1905: Rev. Jackson,Rev. Lanier, Rev. Brookens, Rev. Campbell, Rev. Carter, Rev. Stovall, Rev. Smither, Rev. Brockington, Rev. Jenkins, Rev. Fry and Rev. Charles King.
Rev. King came to Corinthian in 1951 and served as pastor until 1975. Corinthian Baptist Church remained on Mero Street until 1967 when urban renewal made it necessary for the church to relocate to the present location on Second and Murray street. Rev. King had the vision to erect the educational building and dedicated it July 1967. He also broke ground for the new sanctuary December 14, 1974.
Rev. L. A. Newby had four associate pastors: Rev. Michael Miles, Rev. Leslie Whitlock, Rev. James Britton, and Lic. Dillon Smith. In May 2000, Rev. Whitlock accepted the call into the ministry and was licensed by First Corinthian. He was led by the spirit to reach the youth and bring them to Christ. In 2001, the Youth Christian Basketball League was formed at FCBC and the Youth ministry was organized with eleven youth leaders and support of the entire congregation. The Youth Harvest Gathering Conference with held twice at FCBC as well as the Youth March for Christ in Frankfort hosted by FCBC.
On March 11, 2014 a special meeting was held, by the grace of God and guiding of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Leslie Wayne Whitlock was called to be the 25th Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church. Being Led by the Holy Spirit and much prayer, Rev. Whitlock accepted the call as Pastor. As he was a longtime member of First Corinthian, we can truly say look at what God has done!
The church is blessed to have two Associate ministers sent by God; Licentiate Gregory Combs who is leading our Youth Ministry and Licentiate, Ronald Moore Jr. who has a gift in teaching and prison ministry.
Under the leadership of Pastor Whitlock, First Corinthian has become a stronger presence in the community, there is a feeling of family and a renewed spirit for God. Additionally there has been a significant increase in both church membership and ministries. This year plans are being made to construct an addition to the church which will serve as a multipurpose facility. A building committee is in place and working with an architect to complete the design. This committee, under the leadership of Pastor Whitlock, will next create and lead a capital campaign to generate necessary funding for this new project. While the project is only in planning stages, our faith is growing stronger each day as we are praying God will help us make this project a reality.