Our History 

    Located in the western Johnston County town of Clayton, NC, the church rests on the corner of Whitaker and Fayetteville Streets.  We are one of the oldest churches in the Clayton community and while we enjoy a rich heritage, our ministry is organized to meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    First Baptist Church of Clayton was first organized October 14, 1811 near Liberty Grove, one mile west of Clayton.  A Sabbath School was started by the church in 1876 in the Clayton Academy.  Six years later all services were moved to town.  In 1888, the church moved to its first constructed building on the corner of Fayetteville and Whitaker Streets.  The present sanctuary was built and occupied in 1920, with an Educational Annex added in 1957. In 1997 the church began a new building program, “A Time To Build” which was dedicated in August 2007, featuring a new fellowship hall, new Sunday School classes and new administrative offices.  

    First Baptist Church helped to establish the Johnston Baptist Association in the early 1900’s, held its first Vacation Bible School in 1932, published its first newsletter in 1958 and opened Clayton’s first day care in 1969.   First Baptist Church continues its tradition of ministry in Clayton through a strong preaching ministry, a Bible based Sunday School, a commitment to missions, renewed children and youth ministries, and an exceptional music ministry. First Baptist Church has a great heritage. We are proud of our history and the untiring efforts of our forefathers. At the same time, there is before us a future as bright and promising as our past. Our only limitations will be those we place on ourselves.  We believe that God, working through His people, has accomplished much for His Kingdom.  With each passing year, the members continue to dedicate their time, talent and lives to the on-going work of the Kingdom.