First Missionary Baptist Church

First Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1866. The current building was built in 1921 in Decatur’s oldest community, Old Town. The church was designed by prominent African American architect, W.A. Rayeld, incorporating his signature Romanesque style of thick brick walls, rounded arches, and a large tower. Rayeld’s style is also reminiscent in many of his other designs, including Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. With its magnicent vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows, First Missionary Baptist Church in Old Town is a must see on this year’s Christmas Tour.