First Free Will Baptist Church

A Centennial History of the

First Free Will Baptist Church

(1908 - 2008)

First Free Will Baptist Church of Goldsboro was organized in 1908 by The Reverend Frank Casey, who became the first pastor.  The first meetings were held in a section of Goldsboro, now known as “Georgetown,” in the home of one of the charter members.  In these early meetings, plans were made for a suitable church structure in which to meet and worship.

On October 28, 1908, fifteen members went to the Cape Fear Conference to request and was granted acceptance into the conference.  The Reverend Jake Hill donated to the church property on the corner of Lionel and Simmons Streets.  Lumber was donated by others; as well as money and labor.  Reverend Casey worked on the building at night by the light of a lantern.  The work of constructing the church moved forward, but slowly, until it was finally finished and dedicated.

In 1923, the church undertook to build two Sunday School rooms on the back of the church building.  Donations were received and the balance of the money was borrowed from the Goldsboro Building & Loan Associates.  After a few struggles and feuds, the rooms were finished for the people with the leadership of their pastor.