first baptist church

Something South Carolina does right - Spectacular live Christmas Pageant! The entire Church congregation plays parts of this event and it is beyond AMAZING! Hallelujah! Christ has risen! Christ will come again! Hosanna in the highest! Amen! God Bless Everyone!

The First Baptist Church in downtown Columbia has evolved into a megachurch with a large congregation and televised services at al. You don’t need to be a worshipper, however, to appreciate its architectural and historic appeals. The National Register/National Historic Landmark building (original construction 1859) features an imposing Greek Revival façade that delights the eye. The church’s role in the onset of the Civil War also makes it a magnet for history buffs. As the streetside historical marker states, a convention that met here on December 17, 1860, voted unanimously for South Carolina to secede from the United States (see marker photo).Parking can be very problematic in the vicinity of the church. During my recent Monday afternoon visit I considered myself fortunate to find a metered space on the street just two blocks away.

We were touring the University of South Carolina and decided to attend the Sunday 10:30am worship service. The church is beautiful, with a huge choir, orchestra and live television broadcast. Pastor Wendell Estep was excellent and used the Bible to connect with everyone in the congregation.

The Sanctuary has been remodeled since my last visit. Fond memories were made in this Church when I was a student nurse @ the SC Baptist Hospital. We had our capping ceremony there, our choir sang there several times and also our Graduation Ceremony took place there. The Sanctuary is worth seeing.

Very welcoming & friendly. Double Balcony. A place where everyone could feel comfortable. Something for all ages.

When in the area, and sometimes specifically, we visit First Baptist Church - Columbia. It is a genuine worship experience!

A very vibrant congregation with a pastor that teaches from the Bible. The orchestra and choir were outstanding also!

If you happen to show up during the week, you may be disappointed. The church houses some artifacts, but it's not a tourist attraction. However, you can get brunch at the coffee shop and a quick overview of the history of the area.If you are lucky enough to catch the Celebration of Liberty or the Christmas program, do it! Excellent free shows!

This area has a lot of restaurants and bars. Parking is usually not to bad. Not a lot else to do here except some good furniture shopping

I am part of their "television audience." I record every week and watch at my leisure. The music is fantastic and the sermons are stimulating. I heartily recommend watching.

Historic church. Vibrant Worship. Wonderful special programs. People excited for the Lord. Style that will please both old and young.

You may think from appearances that they are conservative pew sitters, but it is amazing to see all the church does & hosts throughout the week. They minister to internationals, offering job training, English classes, sewing, take them to appointments, provide housing, clothing & jobs. There is a special needs school that uses the church's facilities, a first steps program, Bible studies with free child care, Men & Women's accountability groups. Children, Youth & special needs classes. Homeless ministry. It is neat to see a church stay downtown & seek to meet the needs around them.

This is a church, there are no tours here, no visitor's center etc. the only highlight of the church is the old main sanctuary which was where the articles of confederation where singed. There are no historical artifacts on display, if you want those go to the confederate relic room.

The true birthplace of the Confederacy, where the articles of confederation were drafted. The convention was moved to Charleston, SC, due to an epidemic, but this site was on Sherman's list of places to burn and ragage. When the Union Army crossed the river into the west side of Columbia, and burned the Capital under construction, parishoners at Trinity Espicopal Church, in order to protect the Baptist Church, when asked, gave them directions to a newer church a few blocks away. The First Baptist Church was spared. It remains an active vibrant facility in it well maintained condition just as it was over 150 years ago. If you plan on attending services, get there early and sit in the balcony. This is a visit into the past you will long remember.

This review is just about the old 19th century sanctuary. It is a neat old church to walk into. Built in 1859, it is where the South Carolina first discussed secession from the United States in 1860. The vote for secession took place in Charleston.The sanctuary has recently been painted and given a fresher look. It still has an old feel to it. there is a hallway of history next to the sanctuary with pictures or paintings of all the pastors over the years that served the church. The original marbale table where the articles of secession were written up is on display in the hallway. Several historic markers are on the outside of the church. One listing the names of graves that an adjoining building was built upon. If your a fan of southern history- Yes, I say do stop by a give a look. While not an overwhelming site, I think you'll still feel satisfied upon visiting this historic church. It's free to enter and the church doors are unlocked.