Mission Statement

First Baptist Church of Tanner is a friendly, loving, God-centered church. We are a close-knit church who deeply supports and loves our fellow members. It is our desire to glorify God through worship. We have a strong passion for mission work. Our mission work reaches people locally, nationally, and worldwide. We especially are concerned with the needs of our local community, both physical and spiritual.

Church History

A survey by the Limestone Baptist Association in 1962 revealed the need for a church in the Tanner community. Capshaw Baptist Church sponsored a mission that met in Smitty & Joe’s Restaurant on Highway 31 north of Tanner Crossroads. Under the leadership of Brother B.L. McBay, the mission was organized into First Baptist Church of Tanner in 1964 with 31 charter members, and Brother McBay was ordained as the first pastor. Brother Ray McElhaney was called as the second pastor in July of 1969 and remained pastor for 36˝ years. The first building was constructed in 1964 and the first service held on June 28, 1964. The church has undergone four major expansions: a new sanctuary, expansion of the sanctuary with full basement underneath, a family life center, and the present sanctuary. The church also purchased the lots to our north and south. The church is completely debt free on all building expansions.