In the year 1811, Rev. John Lee, relative of the famous General Robt. Lee, came from Virginia with his family, a wife and five daughters, and bought a farm near the mouth of Storms Creek. He with other Baptists, who had settled on farms along the river in the community, cut logs and built a large log church house on the river side of the road near the present Storms Creek bridge. Rev. Lee assisted by Rev. Bennett and Rev. John Kelley, organized a church in this log house ----- 1812, calling it    The Storms Creek Baptist Church. They chose Rev. ---- for pastor, who served until death, 1839. The following is a partial list of the charter members:

• Rev. John Lee and wife
• Peter Lionbarger and wife
• John K. Smith and wife
• Brice Henry and wife
• Morris Henry and wife
• Joseph Brammer and wife
• Isaac Henry
• Sarah Henry
• Jesse Sherman
• Mary Kelley
• James Henry, Jr.
• John Lionbarber
• Penina Golden
• James Kelley and wife
• Geo. Neff and wife
• James Henry and wife
• Martha Yingling

   At the first meeting of the Ohio Association, held at Tigert's Creek, Ky. 18 Aug. 1821, the church numbered 36 members.
   In the early history of the church, Revs. Felix Ellison and Wm. Fuston rendered excellent service in many ways, especially along missionary lines.    Just one hundred years ago, Sept. 7, Luther Rice who had accompanied Adonrian Judson to the foreign field, returned and preached in this church in his effort to raise funds for the support of Judson. He found a ready response, many of the members giving liberally, Rev. John Lee alone giving $100.00, which in that day was a princely sum.
   About 1820, the banks of the river washed away to such an extent that the log church had to be abandoned and a frame church was built just across the road and the church reorganized with about 33 members.
   Around the old church was a grave yard, which also washed away and many of the bodies were removed to Woodland. In 1839, Rev. J. M. Kelley was licensed to preach and in 1840, he was ordained and chosen rector of the church. He was married the same year by Rev. John Kelley to Sarah Ann Baccus, who still survives him at the age of ninety-two. In the early days of the church they were very strict in discipline. They brought members before the church who failed to contribute to the support of the church, and if any two members had the slightest trouble or the smallest offense or grievance, or the slightest intoxication of a member, they were brought before the church and required to make it right, before the could sit at the board's table.
   In 1854, the present brick church was re-elected to that office until his ----- (some lines missing-mk) Vernon streets, and reorganized with 156 members, the same being changed to the "First Baptist Church" of Ironton, Ohio, with Rev. J.M. Kelley as pastor.
   In 1851, he had been chose as Moderator of the Ohio Association and was re-elected to that office until his death. During his life he traveled many, many miles to preach in the country churches.
   The beginning of the Bible School was a union school held in the first school house erected in Ironton. When other churches built houses of worship, they all started Bible Schools and the First Baptist church organized their school in 1847 or 1848. During all these years, so far as can be ascertained there has not gone out from the First Baptist church but one young man into the ministry, namely Rev. Jas. M. Kelly.
   One young woman has gone to the foreign field as a missionary, namely, Mrs. Mary Wolfe Lewis in Oct. 1902, who is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jas. T. Wolfe. She is now engaged in missionary work in China. This church claims the honor of being instrumental in establishing the Lorain Street church. In 1902, a Bible school was organized in the school house and in 1903 the church house was built and dedicated and the church organized with about twelve members, choosing Rev. T.F. Carey as their pastor.
   Mr. Jas. T. Wolfe always manifested a great interest in the Bible School and church and did much to promote the enterprise.
   The following is a list of the regular pastors who have served the church. A number of supplies have filled in between:

• John Lee, 1812
• J.M. Kelley, 1840
• Geo. E. Leonard, 1855, who afterward served as the State Convention as Secretary for so long
• G.W. Gates, 1880
• Joseph Sharp, 1864
• B.F. Ashley, 1865, a man of rare gifts. He had associated with him, some laymen strong and true, such men as:
  
  1. D. Phillips
  2. W.D. Henry
  3. D.K. Burkit, deacons and others with E. Bixby, church clerk. It was during his pastorate that the auditorium was finished and dedicated.
     
• G.W. Taylor, 1870
• P.P. Kennedy, 1871, it was not until in this period of the church history, 1872, that the church voted to have the organ used in public worship.
• J.A. Kirkpatrick, 1877
• W.W. Whitcomb, 1879
• H.A. Summeral, 1881
• T.C. Probert, 1882
• J.H. Roberts, 1887
• M. Roberts, 1888
• Neah Harper, 1889
• E.V. Pierce, 1894. It was during Rev. Pierce's pastorate, the auditorium was remodeled and dedicated, with many pleasing features, he being assisted by Rev. J.M. Kelly and others.
• Henry Brandt, 1900
• V.L. Stonell, 1907
• U.S. Knox, 1908
• S.E. Davis, 1909
• S.E. Davis, 1909. In this pastorate, the present parsonage was purchased.
• Chas. E. Griffin, 1914.

   It was during this last year, 1914, that the greatest in gathering to the membership occurred in the history of the church, namely 174.
Of this number, 135 came in after the union meeting conducted by Dr. W.E. Biederwolt. The first Sunday in June, 81 new members received the hand of fellowship which was an inspiring sight.
   On the 26th day of June 1914, the lightning struck the steeple of the church, tearing away the large copper ball, which had stood the storms for sixty years.
   This ball was made in the tin shop of Duke and Kingsbury in 1854, when finished it was proudly carried to the church by two young men, Charles Kingsbury and Elbert Duke.
   Forty years the Baptists were the only religious body in what is now the city of Ironton. Many have been the struggles, anxieties and tears, and tears today we have entered into the labors of those who have gone before. They laid well the foundation let us continue to build not wood, hay, stubble, but gold, silver, precious stones, that their work and ours may be made manifest and at last stand the test of Christ, the one foundation and master builder of His Church.