History of the Original Columbia Baptist Church

In November, 1788, a company of pioneers from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, led by Major Benjamin Stites came down the Ohio river and landed near what is now Lunken Airport. They established a settlement and called it Columbia. Several Baptist families were included in the company. On January 20, 1790 these families met in the home of Benjamin Davis and organized the Columbia Baptist Church. Rev. Stephen Gano presided over the meeting and Isaac Ferris was chosen as the first deacon. This was the first official protestant church of any denomination in the Northwest Territory.

Rev. John Smith of Pennsylvania was called as the first pastor. Major Stites donated a plot of higher ground at what is now known as pioneer cemetery (most of the original pioneers, including Major Stites are buried here). The frame church constructed on this site is pictured above.

During the late 18th century Columbia Baptist Church experienced a great revival, adding nearly 150 new members. Unfortunately, this revival was short lived. Around the turn of the century the majority of Columbia's members moved northward and established the Duck Creek Baptist Church. This left Columbia so enfeebled that services were held intermittently and eventually abandoned. The building was left to decay and was finally demolished in 1837 (a metal cross survived the demolition and is on display in the current building).