On Feb. 19, First Baptist Church of Hilton Head Island celebrated its 50th anniversary as the first Southern Baptist church on the island.
The church’s first called pastor, Ernest Banner, was on hand for the celebration, as well as several charter members, former members and staff. The weekend began with a reunion reception on Saturday. On Sunday, pastor John Keller led a celebratory worship service, which was followed by lunch and a history program.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Norris and Lois Richardson owned a grocery store on the island in the mid-1950s and put a sign in the front window of their store inviting people to Sunday school in their home. Classes met in the bedrooms, and worship services were held on the concrete slab area underneath their home.
First Baptist Church of Ridgeland helped the young church with pews and materials. Soon after, the Baptist Church of Beaufort took on the small congregation as a mission and built a chapel on South Forest Beach Drive.
In 1962, church members decided to become an incorporated Southern Baptist church, and 37 members signed the charter. The members met temporarily in the home of Frank and Harriet Wilson until they were able to build a sanctuary on the property located next door to the mission chapel.
In 1979, the congregation returned to its original property, adding acreage, a new sanctuary, and Sunday school meeting space. The original mission chapel building became a fellowship hall. The church has continued to grow throughout the years with the addition of an education building, music suite and family life center.
