History

     Murphy First Baptist Church was chartered in 1845. Our church is almost as old as the town of Murphy and is as old as the Southern Baptist Convention. The church has occupied three places of worship. The first one, built in 1846, was probably a log structure, which was later weather-boarded and another room added. The cemetery of this first church is still on the corner of McClelland & Hickory Streets. As time progressed, however, so did the church; with this growth more and more room was necessary.

     In 1927, a beautiful Greek style building, red brick with huge white pillars, sculptured marble, and stained glass windows was erected on Peachtree Street. The people would experience great sacrifice before the building debt was paid. During nearly 50 years at that location, many were saved, baptized, married, children dedicated, and attended funerals of loved ones and friends.

     In the late 1960s, it was apparent another move was needed. The old building was bought and torn down by Wachovia Bank. However, the chandeliers, stained glass windows and pews would be used in the chapel of the new church, which was erected in 1971.

     No one who was a member of the church then can forget the night they left the old church to dedicate the new one. The last prayer was offered and as the church body left the Peachtree premises carrying lighted candles and singing "Onward Christian Soldiers", they made their way through town, across the bridge, headed for the new place of worship--and there continued to work for the Glory of God.

     Our church has been blessed by strong pastoral leadership, faithful leaders, and a visionary membership. From the beginning, Murphy First Baptist goals have been to advance the kingdom of God through the preaching and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ and to provide a place for believers to meet together. In preaching, teaching, singing, praying and preparing themselves for soul winning and service to others, their vision has always included not only Murphy, but also the world.

     Our church provides a wide variety of ministries to the entire family in areas of worship, Bible study, mission activities, age-graded choirs, youth programs, and discipleship.

THE MISSION STATEMENT OF MURPHY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

"The purpose of Murphy First Baptist church is to magnify the name of God by bringing people to Jesus and membership in His family, developing them to Christ like maturity and equipping them for their ministry in the church and life mission in the world. "

The following core values express how our church seeks to accomplish her purpose statement:

Core Value 1

"Magnify the name of God. " We do this through worship. This includes both corporate and personal worship. The greatest command in the Bible is to love God with all our heart, and we do that by worshiping Him. Our corporate worship with God's people is also enhanced when we participate in personal worship. A personal intimacy with God develops and grows in worship. Worship gives us power to live on.

Core Value 2

"Membership in His Church. " We do this through incorporation into the fellowship of God's people. Every believer is to have a sense ofbelonging to a family where he/she is loved, cared for and supported. We encourage every member to belong to a small group so that you can begin to form relationships. Fellowship gives us people to live with.

Core Value 3

"Developing them to Christ like maturity. " We do this through discipleship. This church encourages every believer to engage in the process of an ever deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. This includes learning to apply spiritual disciplines as well as biblical truths. Discipleship gives us principles to live by.

Core Value 4

"Ministry in the church. " We do this through service to others. God equips every believer with spiritual gifts. Members are expected to use their spiritual gifts to benefit the body of Christ. God has designed the church in such a way that every believer is vital and necessary for the church to function effectively. Service gives us a profession to live out.

Core Value 5

"Mission in the world. " We do this through evangelism. First, evangelism is to be personal. That means every believer has the privilege of sharing his/her faith with others. Second, evangelism is to be intentional. Every believer is to focus on sharing the gospel. Third, evangelism is to be relational. We share Christ out of our relationship with others. Evangelism gives us a purpose to live for.