The First Baptist Church of Jackson was organized according to the articles of faith of that church on January 29, 1837, by Rev. John Finlay and Rev. Peter S. Gayle. The following members signed the articles: H. M. Finlay, Mary Armour, Wm. Evans, Moses H. Prewitt, Mary B. Gannaway, Jenet Lake, Richard Rawlings, Nancy W. Evans, Wm. F. Still, G. York, Mrs. York and Mary J. York, all of whom are now dead. To Dr. Finlay is the church indebted for its organization in West Tennessee. Dr. Finlay was born March 10, 1794, in Scotland, and graduated at the University of Glasgow. In 1835 he came to West Tennessee and settled near Jackson. He superintended the Female Academy during the week and preached on Sundays at Cane Creek, Ararat, Denmark and at other points. Dr. Finlay was the first pastor, serving one year and three months, and was succeeded by Rev. Gayle, who served about eight months. Dr. Finlay again became pastor in October, 1838, and served as such till January, 1841. Rev. Gayle served as pastor in 1840, and again in 1844-45. In. the early part of the year 1841, Rev. C. C. Conner became pastor and served the church for one year. There was a large increase in membership during his pastorate. Rev. Henry L. Pettus served the church in 1846, and Rev. G. D. Martin in 1847. Rev. A. J. Spivey became pastor in 1848 and served two years. During his pastorate, through the preaching of Rev. J. H. Graves, the church was greatly strengthened, so much so that the congregation was enabled to have preaching every Sabbath. Rev. George Tucker served the church from 1850 to 1852. At this time the church took very decided ground against the sale and use of ardent spirits.

Rev. J. W. Miller became pastor in 1852, but severed his connection in a short time, when Rev. Abner Morrill, then tutor in West Tennessee College began preaching, and served the church till 1855. Rev. D. H. Selph, president of Madison College at; Spring Creek, preached once a month till 1857, when Rev. Aaron Jones became pastor, and served two and a half years. It was during his pastorate an unfortunate dissension arose. Rev. J. H. Hamilton became pastor in 1860, and served about one year. Regular services were not. held during the period of the war. Rev. A. J. Hall became pastor in October, 1865, and served till November 3, 1866. The church at this time was weak, but Rev. Hall did much to collect the scattered fragments of the once strong church. Rev. J. F. B. Mays served the church as pastor from June 4, 1867, to January 1, 1873. He found the church with about fifty members and left it with 196. Dr. C. R. Hendrickson became pastor August 15, 1873, and served till his death, October 21, 1881. It was in the beginning of his pastorate that the new church was begun. The building committee consisted of Dr. Hendrickson, Abner Lawler, M. Corbett and Dr. A. B. Powell. The financial committee consisted of D. W. Hughes, A. S. Sayle and Thomas E. Glass. The work was begun in 1874, but owing to financial depression the work was not completed till 1885. The church now has an excellent building worth from $8,000 to $10,000. Rev. E. B. McNeil served the church as pastor from February, 1882, to September of the same year. An unfortunate selection for pastor resulted in dissensions and a loss of about fifty members of the church. In October, Rev. McNeil was again recalled, and served acceptably till his successor, Rev. J. L. Vass, was chosen in March, 1885. The church now has regular preaching every Sabbath, also maintains a Sabbath-school, and is in a healthy condition spiritually and financially.

Dr. J.L. Vass preached the first sermon in the new church June 9, 1885. The building was located on teh corner of Lafayette anc Cumberland streets.

Mrs. Sarah Taylor was the first person baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church of Jackson. On July 1, 1837 Mrs. Taylor, her husband, J.R. Taylor and John Givens were baptized. Mr. Taylor became the church's first deacon.

Excerpts from: Emma Inman Williams /Marion B. Smothers / Mitch Carter - Excerpts of Jackson & Madison Pictorial History 1988.