It was in 1954 that a small group of people were seeking the Lord's guidance about starting a new church in the Fayette County area. At first they would meet in one another's homes, praying, singing and planning.

That same year, while meeting at the home of Johnny Ballard, the Faith Baptist Church was organized, and after acquiring property in the Kenwood community, the name was changed to Kenwood Baptist Church. The name would be changed one more time, to Kenwood First Baptist Church.

In 1969, a 24-year-old old man was called to pastor the church, Brother Darrell L. Hayes and he remained at the church until 1996, when he entered the field of evangelism.

The congregation now numbers about 200 and they have been in their current building since 1973.

Sunday morning worship is at 11 a.m, with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. There is a Sunday night service at 6 p.m. and a Wednesday night Bible study beginning at 7 p.m.

The church has several Outreach programs, a nursing home mission, prison ministries, local visitation and help in the support of 75 worldwide missionaries.

The current pastor is Lynn McClain and he has served here for the past 18 months.

He was born in Langdale, Ala. and reared in that area. He is a graduate of Southland Bible Institute in Pikeville, Ky., and has served in churches in Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia.

He and his wife Linda, married in 1968 and are the parents of Tammy 24, and Michael, 12, and enjoy one grandchild.

Pastor McClain sees as his personal goal for the church to show how to glorify the Lord in their lives and how to win the lost to Christ.