The Royal Oak Baptist Church was organized on January 19, 1839 through the encouragement of Rev. Stephen Goodman of Troy. On February 12, 1839, the church covenant was formally adopted. Dr. L. C. Rose and Henry Stephens were authorized to build a Baptist Meeting House on March 2, 1839. The first building was located at Main and Third. Under Silas Finn, a new building in the form of a Greek Cross was erected at our present site, on ground donated by Athalinda Phelps, and was dedicated in 1876. After Silas Finn left in 1896 the membership dwindled. Through the heroic efforts of Anna Quick, who each Sunday led Sunday School classes and called an official annual meeting to preserve the state charter, First Baptist survived until after World War I. In 1918 the Tabernacle, a large one-room building, was erected and for three years served as the church home. In 1921, a new brick sanctuary was added. Then in 1950, an educational building replaced the old Tabernacle next to the sanctuary. Our present sanctuary was dedicated in 1965 at the culmination of our 125th Anniversary. A more detailed church history and Pastor Dave's commentary on our Covenant are included for those who desire additional information