History 

As early as 1845, the Baptist faith was evident and a church was built on East Valley Street.  During the1850's all citizens of the same faith worshiped together. Shortly after the Civil War, the building was given to the black worshipers.  About 1907, some interested people saw a need for another Baptist church in Abingdon. Funds were collected, trustees selected and a building was erected on a lot given by Captain Henley M. Fugate in honor of his son, the Rev. Henley Fugate, a Baptist Minister. 

Interested people of Abingdon of all denominations assisted in the erection of this building. The four men who were most active in the organization of the church, and who became charter members were: Dr. N. W. Denton, Mr. O. L. James, Mr. W. B. James, and the Rev. H. W. Bellamy. James Bell gave the stained glass window which was on the front of the church and has since been moved above the baptistery of the present building. The situation was rather unique in that the church building was erected before there was a congregation.

The first meeting was held on October 23, 1910, and the Abingdon Baptist Church was organized. In 1911, the first baptismal service was held in a baptistery that was underneath the floor behind the pulpit.  The Woman's Missionary Union was organized with seven members. On June 15, 1913, Rev. J. L. Watts preached the dedicatory sermon on a debt-free church. About 1914, the Sunday School time was changed from 3:00 p.m. to 9:45 a.m.