History Unveiled at First Baptist Church of Holly Springs

First Baptist Church Clerk and Trustee Rosella Hasan said it best: "You can't have a history of Holly Springs without having First Baptist Church as a part of its history.” Holly Springs First Baptist Church was established well before the Town’s charter was granted and, throughout its history, has shaped numerous local leaders who have significantly contributed to the community. 

The church formed in 1865 when a group of approximately 50 freed men pooled their resources and bought a half-acre plot of land between the fork of Buckhorn and Fuquay roads for a Negro Baptist Church. 

Original services were held in a log cabin, which later burned, and the church site was rebuilt in 1880. It has been renovated several times, and it was faced with brick in the early 1950s under the leadership of Reverend James Avery. 

Under the skills of Trustee George Talmadge Grigsby Senior, the church evolved to have Sunday school rooms, memorial windows, a basement, and other modern conveniences. Since that time, an accessible ramp, restrooms, sound systems, and computers were added under the leadership of Rev. Otis G. Byrd, who pastored the First Baptist Church for more than 24 years. He also served as a Holly Springs Commissioner and Board of Adjustment member and an assistant precinct judge during elections. 

Many Holly Springs leaders were members of the church. Early church trustees included Robert Fuquay, New Ballentine, Quinton Jones, and Peter Peddy. James Norris, the Town’s first Black mayor, and Dessie Mae Womble, the first Black female police chief in North Carolina, also attended the church.

Another church member, Parrish “Ham” Womble, served as a Holly Springs commissioner for three decades. Womble was instrumental in establishing the park off Stinson Avenue that is named in his honor, and in securing land for Holly Ridge Elementary and Middle schools. He also served as mayor of Holly Springs from January to December 2001. 

In May 2025, the Town unveiled a historical marker at First Baptist Church to commemorate the church’s significant location and its members who helped shape the Holly Springs community. Both church and community leaders attended the unveiling ceremony for the marker.

First Baptist Church Photo Gallery

  • First Baptist Church

    First Baptist Church has been renovated several times, and it was faced with brick in the early 1950s under the leadership of Reverend James Avery.

  • Historical Marker Unveiling

    In May 2025, the Town unveiled a historical marker at First Baptist Church to commemorate the church's significant location and its members who helped shape the Holly Springs community.

  • Historical Marker Unveiling

    Town Council members, along with church and community leaders, attended the unveiling ceremony for the marker in May 2025.

  • Map of the First Baptist Church Location

    The inscription on the map says: “Property of E.G. Brewer. Colored Christian and Baptist Churches. Holly Springs-Wake County-NC. April 27, 1954. Surveyed and Platted by E.C. Smith, Surveyor for Wake Co.”