Our Story
Harrison First Baptist Church is the oldest surviving church in the Harrison community, originally founded in 1850. For over 170 years, our congregation has been a steadfast presence in this community through remarkable seasons of change.
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Tennessee Valley Authority completed the Chickamauga Dam. The original town of “Old Harrison”—which was once the county seat of Hamilton County—was completely flooded and submerged under what is now Harrison Bay. The entire community, including its schools, homes, and churches, relocated about three miles south to the “New Harrison” area around modern Highway 58.
Through this relocation and many other changes, our church has endured as a faithful witness to God’s steadfast love, continuing to serve the Harrison community today from our home on Church Road.
Founded 1850 • Southern Baptist
What We Believe
We hold to the historic Christian faith as revealed in Scripture. Our foundation is the Word of God, and our aim is to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in worship, fellowship, and service.
- We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and our sole authority for faith and practice.
- We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, and His promised return.
- We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
- We believe the church is the body of Christ, called to worship God, edify believers, and proclaim the gospel to the world.
What to Expect
Traditional Worship
Our services follow a traditional Southern Baptist style with hymns, prayer, and biblical preaching.
Come As You Are
There is no formal dress code. Most members dress comfortably and modestly.
All Are Welcome
Whether you are visiting for the first time or looking for a church home, you are warmly welcomed here.