Silas Baptist Church, Bourbon County's Oldest Church, Celebrates 225th Anniversary

Silas Baptist Church in Cynthiana, a cornerstone of the Central Kentucky community, recently celebrated a significant milestone: its 225th anniversary. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the church's enduring legacy but also cements its place as a vital part of our state's and Association's rich history.

The church's origins are deeply rooted in a journey for religious freedom. In September 1781, Reverend Lewis Craig led a group of 500-600 Baptists from Virginia to Kentucky to escape persecution. This traveling congregation built the first Baptist church west of the Alleghenies in 1781. In 1796, twenty members from this group withdrew to form a separate congregation. With the help of Rev. Craig's party, they formally organized the Silas Baptist Church on August 30, 1800, making it the oldest church in Bourbon County. Its deep roots are intertwined with the Central Kentucky Network of Baptists, historically known as the Elkhorn Baptist Association.

Click here to read more of the fascinating history of Silas Baptist.

The first building was a small log church, constructed in 1801 on land deeded by Charles Smith. The current brick structure was built in 1850 and has been remodeled and enlarged over the years. This includes additions for Sunday School rooms and a baptistry. In 2000, members voted to build a Community Life Center, which was constructed around 2005 and is now available for the community to use.

The recent celebration was a joyous occasion for the congregation and the wider community, marking this wonderful milestone with food, fellowship, and games. The event served as both a celebration of the church's past and a hopeful look toward its future.

As Silas Baptist Church looks back on 225 years of faith, service, and community, its story stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring institutions that have shaped Central Kentucky. Its history is a shared heritage, and its continued presence is a point of pride for Cynthiana and the entire region.