First Baptist Church: 200 East Main Street

Founded in 1843, the First Baptist Church has anchored downtown Murfreesboro for over 175 years. Designed by acclaimed Chattanooga architect Ruben H. Hunt, this Classical Revival building was built from 1916 to 1920. Many public buildings and churches were constructed in this style because the elements are associated with stability, tradition, and high ideals. Financial challenges during the Great Depression forced the church to auction their building, but by 1941 the congregation was able to buy the building back and continue worshipping at this site.