The Blackjack Baptist Church was the original name chosen by our ancestors in the 1700s. Blackjack Baptist Church was located in the middle of highway 521 parallel to the present church. Also an elementary school named Blackjack School was located where the present church stands today. The church and school was surrounded by a great number of trees called Blackjack trees, and this contributed to the naming of the church and school. The Blackjack Baptist Church was the first black church established in the area. In 1888, the town of Kershaw was established and during this time period the church was moved to it’s current location. During the establishment of the town of Kershaw, the church was renamed and called “The First Kershaw Baptist Church.”

From 1888 to 1976, many great pastors and leaders ministered to the surrounding community. In 1976, Reverend Waldo Robinson was chosen as pastor to lead the congregation at The First Kershaw Baptist Church. For a number of years, Pastor Robinson and the congregation worked together to raise funds to build what is currently our church. The last service was held in the old church on December 29, 1988. While our new church was under construction, First Kershaw Baptist Church was welcomed at the Gethsemane Baptist Church. During this time, both churches grew close together and became inseparable. When the new church was completed, Gethsemane Baptist decided to close their doors and join First Kershaw Baptist Church. On July 9, 1989 the First Kershaw Baptist Church family along with Gethsemane Baptist Church gathered across the street where the Blackjack Church once stood and marched into our new sanctuary singing “Look Where He Brought Me From.”

Under Pastor Robinson’s leadership we have reached many new heights but our focus remains constant in proclaiming and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching, and equipping those in the kingdom of God in order that we may prepare others for kingdom building.