Our Story

The First Baptist Church was organized in 1914 when Mr. Samuel Large gave the grounds for the church and cemetery on Middle Creek Road opposite the present country club and golf course. The congregation built the original church soon afterward. Charter members included Householders, Robertsons, Lovedays, Marshalls, and Franklins. Soon, there were others. Mr. Perman Franklin was the first Sunday School Superintendent. S.C. Atchley was the first Pastor, and Hiram Franklin was the First Church Clerk and Treasurer. They held the dedication service in October 1914.

The congregation broke ground on the current sanctuary building on the Gatlinburg Highway (now Parkway) on April 5, 1959. The new sanctuary could accommodate over 800 people, and the education building could accommodate over 400 people at once. The church dedicated the new building on April 3, 1960. They built a new educational building in 1975.

Mr. Wayne Ogle, a First Baptist Church member, purchased the old bell when he dismantled the old structure. After many years, Mr. Ogle returned the bell to the church, where it was sanded and polished and set in a mini park in front of the church on the Parkway.

On October 20, 2024, First Baptist Church Pigeon Forge will celebrate its 110th Anniversary. A special worship service is being planned with a catered luncheon to follow. 

As we move through the 21st century, FBCPF is making plans to stay relevant in the community in these times.
Visit our REFOCUS page for more information about our discerning God's plans for FBCPF.