200th Anniversary | Nashville First

Building on our past, looking towards the future

Nashville First Baptist Church has been a caring community of faith with a heart for the people who live, work, and enjoy downtown for 200 years. We connect people to Christ, His church, and to one another for the sake of the gospel. This page highlights all the speakers and events related to our bicentennial. Join us as we celebrate God’s work through us.

Guest Speakers

Sunday, Jan. 26

Ray Van Neste is Dean of the School of Theology & Missions and Professor of Biblical Studies at Union University. Click here to view video of his sermon.

Dr. Kelly Miller Smith Jr. | Feb. 16

Dr. Kelly Miller Smith Jr. is the pastor of First Baptist Church Capitol Hill.

Dr. Tom Nettles | March 8

Dr. Nettles has most recently served as the Professor of Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with numerous journal articles and scholarly papers, Dr. Nettles is the author and editor of fifteen books. He will speak on Baptist Confessions of Faith.

Below is the first part of our video series with interviews of members reflecting on our history.

Our History

The Overcoming Church: Starting Over with Only Five Members

On July 22,1820, our church was founded as the Baptist Church of Nashville. The church had thrived under its first pastor, Reverend Richard Dabbs, a seasoned church planter from Virginia. The Baptist Church of Nashville had grown and prospered to the extent that it was able to build a handsome church building where the present-day Nashville Public Library now faces the state capitol. Read full article.

Mission Emphasis

The Joseph School from January - March

Our church is committed to purchasing 200 uniforms and Bibles for The Joseph School. Offering envelopes will be available in church pews from January to March. Checks should be made payable to Nashville First, with “The Joseph School” in the memo line.

The Hope Clinic - April-June

Established in 1983, Hope Clinic for Women is a faith-based safe and confidential place equipping women, men and families dealing with: unplanned pregnancies. Our church is committed to filling 200 Baby Bottles with change for the Hope Clinic. More information on how to start your bottle collection coming soon. Church members can also write a check made payable to Nashville First, with “Hope Clinic” in the memo line.

Second Harvest - July-Sept.

Second Harvest’s mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. Our church is committed to sending volunteers as well as making donations to Second Harvest’s Backpack Ministry. Our goal is to donate enough to fill 200 backpacks.

Nashville Rescue Mission - October - December

Coat drive. We will be collecting coats to donate to Nashville Rescue Mission. Members can bring in coats, or donate money for coats by writing a check to Nashville First and putting “Nashville Rescue Mission” in the memo line.