First Baptist Church, Dayton

First Baptist Church has a rich history dating back to its organization on May 29, 1824. Its origins trace to a small group that met on the porch of William Huffman's home, where they were formally approved as a congregation with nine members. The following day marked a significant event in Dayton's Baptist history when Lydia Huffman was baptized in the Great Miami River, marking the city's first recorded Baptist immersion.

The church's first building was erected in 1827 on Main Street, but the congregation faced challenges in 1829 with a schism that led to a split. Those remaining steadfast in their Baptist beliefs incorporated as The First Regular Baptist Church of Dayton in 1837. Over the decades, the church played a pivotal role in the community, attracting prominent local families and becoming a center for spiritual and civic engagement.

In 1914, amidst the challenges posed by the devastating 1913 Dayton flood, construction began on the current Monument Avenue building. Completed and furnished by June 1915, this building has since served as a cornerstone for the congregation's activities and outreach. Noteworthy figures from Dayton's history, such as Orville Wright, had connections to the church, with Wright's funeral being hosted there in 1948 due to his niece's involvement in the congregation.