3. First Baptist Church

The Bright Hope Baptist Church, now located at 32 Green Street, began as a prayer group in 1880 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Jackson, at 11 Green Street. Two years later, the congregation moved to the Pat Riley House on Witherspoon Street. The next meeting place was at the site of the Odd Fellows Hall, also on Witherspoon. Determined to build their own church, the congregation purchased a plot for $1400 with a 6-room house which they converted into a parsonage. In 1885, the cornerstone was laid for the Bright Hope Baptist Church. In 1930, the name changed to the First Baptist Church.