The First Baptist Church of Stanley was organized in 1853, under the name of Bruington Baptist Church, named for Rev. Bruington Jones, one of the first Missionary workers sent to this area by the State Board. The first building was located near the railraod between Stanley and Mt. Holly, and three miles from Stanley, and had a total membership of thirty-three(33).

Because of many hardships, the church voted to tear the building down and rebuild in another location. One hardship was that unfriendly forces bought the land between the church building and the road and fenced it in, then filled the baptistry in a small stream with rocks.

Membership reached 480 in the year 1888. At this time, churches were being organized in Mt. Holly, Belmont, and at Hickory Grove, and residents living closer to those areas moved their membership from Bruington, reducing its membership to 22. These members decided to move to town, which was then known as Brevad Station. A two acre tract was purchased, and a frame building constructed. In 1924 this frame building was torn down, the church met in the school auditorium during construction, and a new brick building was completed on Main Street.

Preaching services were held twice each month until 1933, when Rev. Robert Gardner was called as the first full time pastor. He was followed by I.K. Stafford, who resigned to teach at Campbell College. During his pastorate, the rotating deacon system was initiated. Rev. J.A. Snow (1943-45) envisioned an educational building and a fund was started for this purpose. This building was completed and occupied for the first time on 1-19-58, at which rime Rev. J.C. Huneycutt, Jr. was pastor. In 1961, a new parsonage was completed and occupied for the first time, in the Jackson Park development. Under Rev. Huneycutt's leadership, Hovis Road Mission was begun and constituted as New Life Baptist Church in 1962. Rev. Huneycutt served from 1955 to 1963.

In November, 1965 under the leadership of Rev. Charles High (1963-1975) the church voted to relocate to ten (10) acres at the intersection of Old Highway 27 and Morris Farm Road, at almost the exact spot where the church began in 1853. The first service was held in this new building in March 1970, and in November, 1970. An additional 1.15 acres were purchased between our current lot and Morris Farm Road. During Rev. High's pastorate the church kindergarten was begun; the first Pictorial Church Directory was published; recognizing our church as First Baptist church. At this time there were three Baptist churches in town, so our church voted to change the name to FIRST BAPTIST.

We formally became incorporated in October of 1989. Our new Family Life Center was dedicated in 2000. Our present pastor, Ron Caulder was called in 2001.