Meaning of First Baptist

[Chesterton]

Why are so many Baptist churches called "First" Baptist?

 

[TimRout]

That's a great question!

By in large, the title "First Baptist" is intended to distinguish a church from "Second Baptist", "Third Baptist", etc. (Some towns count even higher than that.) Since a church calling themselves "First Baptist" can't possibly know whether another Baptist church might later start up in town, and since this eventuality is fairly uncommon in most towns, we see an extraordinary abundance of "First Baptist" churches across North America.

 

[JohnDB]

That would be because it was the quite literal first Baptist (denominationally oriented) church started in that city. Nashville's First Baptist Church actually is. (although is isn't exactly in it's original position) but it is downtown and has an entire city block. (maybe two with parking)

Many First Baptist Churchs are in deep deep trouble. City Governments want their land to put up new Shopping Malls or parking garages and there isn't much a church can do to stop it any longer. Churchs usually don't pay property taxes. Parking Garages and Shopping Malls do.

 

[Chesterton]

That's a great question!

By in large, the title "First Baptist" is intended to distinguish a church from "Second Baptist", "Third Baptist", etc. (Some towns count even higher than that.) Since a church calling themselves "First Baptist" can't possibly know whether another Baptist church might later start up in town, and since this eventuality is fairly uncommon in most towns, we see an extraordinary abundance of "First Baptist" churches across North America.

Well that's pretty straightforward; I should of figured it out myself!

That would be because it was the quite literal first Baptist (denominationally oriented) church started in that city. Nashville's First Baptist Church actually is. (although is isn't exactly in it's original position) but it is downtown and has an entire city block. (maybe two with parking).

Same in San Antonio. First Baptist is downtown and has a whole block. But I always see others that say "First Baptist" and I didn't realize until now that each one is actually in a different municipality within San Antonio.

Thanks guys.

 

[JohnDB]

Cities have grown massively versus what they once were. Originally the cemetaries were outside of the city limits...and usually moved at least once for large towns...but there are still a large number of old ones in downtown locations that hold quite a few of a city's founders.

And when several small cities kinda merge into each other...such as San Antonio...well...there ya go.

 

[DD2008]

Aren't most First Baptist Churches part of the SBC?

 

[TimRout]

Aren't most First Baptist Churches part of the SBC?

Perhaps in the US, but certainly not in Canada.

 

[DD2008]

Perhaps in the US, but certainly not in Canada.

Good call. I wasn't thinking in that direction. What is the equivalent of the SBC in the north?

 

[JohnDB]

Baptist in Canada is often very different than Baptist in America from what I have understood...sometimes...I don't know for certain cause I ain't ever been.

But from what I understood it was a lot more of a legalistic type faith...controlling and dominating their membership than the free running sort that we have here in America. Of course if you have ever been to Montreal...the understanding of why is clear.

 

[DD2008]

Baptist in Canada is often very different than Baptist in America from what I have understood...sometimes...I don't know for certain cause I ain't ever been.

But from what I understood it was a lot more of a legalistic type faith...controlling and dominating their membership than the free running sort that we have here in America. Of course if you have ever been to Montreal...the understanding of why is clear.

Ah oui! La Francais! J'ai oublie....

 

[TimRout]

Baptist in Canada is often very different than Baptist in America from what I have understood...sometimes...I don't know for certain cause I ain't ever been.

But from what I understood it was a lot more of a legalistic type faith...controlling and dominating their membership than the free running sort that we have here in America. Of course if you have ever been to Montreal...the understanding of why is clear.

I'm sorry John, but you have been misinformed. Baptist churches in Canada, though less numerous than those in the States, reflect the same broad characteristics as Baptist churches elsewhere. You really should refrain from guessing about such things my friend. It greatly reduces your credibility.

 

[DD2008]

I was just kidding about the French thing. I wrote that in reference to the comment about Montreal.

I have nothing against Canada at all, or the French, for the most part.

I hope I didn't offend with the joke.

 

[TimRout]

I was just kidding about the French thing. I wrote that in reference to the comment about Montreal.

I have nothing against Canada at all, or the French, for the most part.

I hope I didn't offend with the joke.

No offense taken at all. Indeed, my country is officially bilingual.

 

[MrJim]

Aren't most First Baptist Churches part of the SBC?

In our town the First Baptist is American Baptist; the SBC has the town name in the title.

 

[student ad x]

In our town the First Baptist is American Baptist; the SBC has the town name in the title.

Sadly, First Baptist is American Baptist in my community as well .......

 

[mont974x4]

Has anyone actually seen a "second baptist" etc? I have traveled quite a but and my experience is that they usually have some other name, like Fairview Baptist or Heritage Baptist. I am sure there are some who name them in numerical order but I don't remember ever seeing one.

 

[mlqurgw]

Has anyone actually seen a "second baptist" etc? I have traveled quite a but and my experience is that they usually have some other name, like Fairview Baptist or Heritage Baptist. I am sure there are some who name them in numerical order but I don't remember ever seeing one.

I have seen a few Second Baptists. Not many though. IIRC there are a couple here in Kentucky.

 

[LiturgyInDMinor]

Has anyone actually seen a "second baptist" etc? I have traveled quite a but and my experience is that they usually have some other name, like Fairview Baptist or Heritage Baptist. I am sure there are some who name them in numerical order but I don't remember ever seeing one.

I've seen 2nd Baptist churches in my travels...and I've also seen only once a 3rd Presbyterian church too.

 

[mont974x4]

hmm so people are either very humble or they lack creativity

LOL

 

[JohnDB]

I'm sorry John, but you have been misinformed. Baptist churches in Canada, though less numerous than those in the States, reflect the same broad characteristics as Baptist churches elsewhere. You really should refrain from guessing about such things my friend. It greatly reduces your credibility.

Like I said in my original post...I don't know for certain because I haven't been...but I have two different friends from Canada who are saying the same things. That things in Canada are a little different than they are in America with the differences I stated before...

Much of Canada is rural...There aren't that many large cities like there are in America. I dare say that both of them aren't lying or have poor judgment. One I could see....but both?

They were telling me some kind of nonsense that the local baptist church was promoting about a spike, a diamond and how this all was to promote some kind of legalisms of discipline. They were quite elaborate and similar in stories about this...I don't believe that they were making it up...but I also don't believe that these two stories are representative of all the Baptist churchs in Canada either.