The First Baptist Church of Memphis has been in existence for 190 + years, beginning in 1815. 

            At the beginning of the 19^th century this area was undeveloped, and the religious climate left much to be desired.  Great camp meeting revivals were in evidence at that time; meetings were held outdoors under the trees.  Thousands attended such meetings despite difficulty of travel.  This brought about interest in ‘religion.’  It was during this time that the Lord laid it upon the hearts of a group of Bible-believing people to organize a local church, which originally was known as First Church of Christ of Camillus.  Later it became known as the First Baptist Church of Canton, (now Memphis) New York.  The group of faithful worshippers had no “House of Worship” from 1815 to 1833.  They met in school houses and in various homes in the Canton, Camillus,  and  Warners areas.  In 1833, Deacon Isaac Hill donated land, and the first church building was erected in Canton with the initial service held on February 21, 1834.  This building is still standing next door to the current worship area.  It is presently used primarily as a Fellowship Hall for Senior Citizen’s luncheons, fellowship suppers, wedding receptions, etc.

The church began with only 18 original members, but  in 1817--just 2 years later-- 63 new members were added by baptism and 5 by letter.

            The oldest record book extant cites business meetings starting July 8, 1821 and contains a register of all members with dates of baptism or reception by letter from 1815 – 1821.    It is also noted that before the first item of business is documented in 1821, the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant are recorded in detail.  A perusal of these Articles of Faith makes it clear that First Baptist Church of Memphis, from its inception, was a fundamental Baptist Church, affirming the inspiration of the Scriptures and the sovereignty and wisdom of God as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

            The 1861 Annual Meeting designated the Church as “The Church and Society in the Village of Memphis.”     Canton became Memphis at that time. There was no Town of Van Buren, this being part of Camillus.

In later years, the membership had grown, and we were using the building next door – Community Center and former school house --  for Sunday School classes and youth functions.  When this facility was put up for sale, the church bought it. In 1981, the members began renovations on the former Community Center, which included a new church auditorium.  Upon completion in 1983, services were begun in the new church facilities and continue there to this date, faithfully preaching the Word of God.

It is our firm contention that truth never changes, and as God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), it and its teaching can never change!  It is our prayer that we as a church would continue in that faith once delivered to the saints  (Jude 3) until Christ returns.  May those who come behind us find us faithful to Him Who is faithful always.