From the CBC Archives – Happy 70th Anniversary, CBC!

Central Baptist Church was organized in November 1953. Plans for starting a mission originated in 1951 when Central Baptist Hospital was being constructed on South Limestone. Interest flagged then was renewed and on Sunday, November 8, 1953 at 3:00 PM at Trinity Methodist Church on South Limestone, 33 people representing five churches met to make plans for organizing a Baptist Church.

The following Sunday, November 15, Central Baptist Church was organized at another meeting at Trinity Methodist Church. There were 38 charter members and 38 organization members. Members came by letter from five Baptist churches. Deacons, trustees, and church officers were elected, and it was voted that Sunday preaching services would be held on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM and the mid-week prayer service would be held on Thursday evening at 7:30 PM in the auditorium of Trinity Methodist Church at 1716 South Limestone

The deed to property at 1644 South Limestone was executed on November 23, 1953 with a prayer service on March 3, 1954 being the first CBC service held there. The church moved forward without a pastor for nearly a year. Dr. Clyde Chapman became CBC's first pastor on October 19, 1954.

Thanks to Theo Hatch for "The History of Central Baptist Church 1953 – 1973" that she compiled for CBC’s 20th anniversary for the above information.