Our History

For more than a century, First Baptist Church of Riverhead has been a place where faith, community, and service come together.

Our story began in 1916, when farm and domestic workers who had migrated from the South gathered together in search of a place to worship and build community. What began as a weekly home prayer mission became the foundation of what would grow into First Baptist Church of Riverhead.

The early congregation first gathered in the home of Rev. William Harris of Baiting Hollow and later in the home of Mr. Jeff Parrish. That same year, Mr. Fletcher Booker helped secure a small chapel in the Centerville district. With little more than kerosene lamps lining the walls, this small gathering became the beginning of a church that would serve generations to come.

Building a Church

As the congregation grew, so did the need for a larger place to worship.

Under the leadership of Rev. Robert Brown and Deacon Burton Woodson, the congregation held its first fundraising concert to help purchase property for a permanent church home. With support from members, friends, and the surrounding community, enough funds were raised to purchase property on Raynor Avenue and a dairy building that was relocated to the site.

On April 19, 1925, the cornerstone was laid.

Two years later, under the leadership of Rev. Solomon H. Henderson, the church was officially incorporated as The First Baptist Church of Riverhead on April 27, 1927.

What began with a small group gathering in homes had become an established church—built through faith, sacrifice, generosity, and community.

A Legacy of Faith and Service

Since our incorporation, generations of pastors, leaders, members, and families have helped shape First Baptist into the church it is today.

Through seasons of reconstruction and renovation, the creation of ministries and church organizations, community outreach, and the establishment of nonprofit initiatives, the mission has remained constant: to serve God and serve God's people.

We give God the glory for every chapter of our story—and for every person who has helped carry this church forward.

Our Pastors

Rev. Reuben Green — 1929–1935
Rev. Lee Epperson — 1935–1939
Rev. John H. Joseph — 1939–1965
Rev. George E. Martin — 1965–1968
Rev. Wilson H. Tolbert — 1968–1982
Rev. Dr. Charles A. Coverdale, Pastor Emeritus — 1982–2025
Rev. Cynthia A. Liggon, Presiding — 2026–Present

The Story Continues

For more than 100 years, First Baptist Church of Riverhead has been woven together by a common thread of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.

We honor the generations who came before us while embracing the opportunities ahead. Their faith helped build this church; today, we have the privilege of carrying that legacy forward.

We believe the best is yet to come.

Rooted in our faith. Growing together in community. And looking to the future with hope and expectation for all that God will do.