Exploring a Massive Abandoned Church - First Baptist Church 

This is so wild to see! I’ve been part of Beaumont’s First Baptist my whole life. You’re right about why we moved; the building became too expensive to maintain and repair, and most of our membership was across town, as well. The buildings were sold to another church (I don’t remember who) and then to a local property investor and I lost track of the ownership after that. The area you got into was a downstairs entrance that wasn’t often used, and it led you into the dining hall. There was a large commercial-grade kitchen on the other side of the dining hall where we cooked meals and had food for gatherings. Directly above it, following those yellow carpeted stairs (which used to be green carpet) is the main worship center / auditorium. It used to be filled with pews that were sold when we moved from downtown. Behind that and through to the next area was the choir room. That’s where the other set of risers were and all of that music and choir robes were. It’s where they held choir practice on Sundays. Near the choir room was that large organ. That used to be in one of those large “pit” areas of the worship center, and the riser you pointed out was where the drums were. The chairs in the big auditorium looked like the chairs that used to be in the choir room. Further past the choir room where you noted your dusty footprints was a building full of classrooms, as well as where the Hispanic church held their services. Just beyond the library were the staff offices and conference rooms. Absolutely wild to see that fire damage. I think I still have some books from that library (oops). The smaller auditorium was known as “The Chapel” and it was for smaller services and events. I believe the Chinese Church also held their services there. One of the neatest parts of the chapel is the loft in the back that I don’t think you got to see. It’s got a creepy ladder that you climb up to a small couple of rooms where they used to have a soundboard for the chapel audio. The parlor wasn’t used much in my time, as it was pretty dated looking even 20-30 years ago. More than anything, that and the small rooms behind it were used for people to get ready for weddings and such. Just past the AWANA area on the third floor was where the Royal Ambassadors used to meet, the area with the wood floor. It used to have a cool wooden door with all kinds of tame church kid graffiti on it. The best and creepiest parts, though, got missed. There’s a fourth floor that was abandoned even when the building was occupied. It had 60’s/70’s decor and was in bad shape. Wood floors up there, too. It was mainly used for storage and couldn’t be used for anything major since it only had one egress. From the fourth floor there were a handful of ways out onto the roof for some pretty neat views of Beaumont. Alongside that are some cool attic access points to above the sanctuary / worship center and all of the hidden back rooms where speakers and lighting were installed. Such a neat building and so fun to grow up in. I miss those blue cube tile lights, that kicked in some major nostalgia! Thanks for sharing this!

This is the church I grew up in. My dad grew up here. My parents met here and married here. I grew up here. This is emotional for me to watch.

As the daughter of one of the former pastors, I would love to go inside one last time. So many memories.

I used to be a church directory photographer and learned to hate steps, even a small raised threshold was a nightmare. No one talks about the accessibility issues with these old churches. One church member remarked, "Who ever thought a hundred steps leading to the church was a good idea?"

Surprising to me they removed all the church benches from both levels of the worship hall and how few chairs they have. I remember it being filled with people every Sunday and the Minister of Music having us sing to the tune of "Love Lifted Me" we sang "Two thousand and two, two thousand and two -- that's our goal for Sunday School, Two Thousand Two!"

I grew up in this church and worked there for a time. It’s so sad to see it in that shape 😢

I really enjoyed this Texas trip. Something about this whole trip just had some real comfy vibes to it, and you got out without something too spooky happening. Seriously, can't wait to see what your next adventure is like, Jared.

Amazing house of worship hope someone can find away to rescue this work of art.

Mom wake up Jared Coker posted

You always do great tours Jared. I bet that complex was too expensive to keep in operation. Can you imagine just the AC/heat bill? Hopefully it will get reproposed.

Truly epic

I'm planning on going here soon!

2:22 Was that window another possible entrance? Didn't know what floor this would have been. Loved that table falling sloooowwwwly succumbing to the weight of those monitors. Yet another cool video.

Awesome video

It’s a RODGERS electronic organ

Way cool building

It's called a SANCTUARY!!!

We went n there last night we are going again to take videos again tonight

I’ve been in there also, i’ve seen some photos online and i’m going there again to take before and after pictures

Heartbreaking

I thought the last one was like my church but this one is identical, look up First Baptist Church Palatka you’ll see what it was like before it shut down.

America has massive open buildings. Yet have a massive homeless problem. What up?

There’s no way I’d go in there alone

If the church just moved and didn’t close permanently why would they leave their books and things there

As a former evangelical Christian who deconverted over two decades ago, I have mixed feelings about this video. One is a sense of sadness thinking about the devout believers who probably sacrificed their time, effort and money (tithing) into their faith and this building and seeing it rot away like this. The other thought I have is contentedness seeing another example of blind faith and belief in the magical being relegated to the dustbin.

You’re tithing paid for this and no one else could run it left to nobody to keep it going right!!

I’ve been here before!! Explored the whole place, the kids play room was the creepiest room, I got a few good pictures. I wanna go explore it again but is it closed off now?

Pretty sure Awana is a year round kids program, for, like, midweek services.

I wonder if Clay Walker, Tracy Byrd, and Mark Chesnutt were members of this Church/Congregation, since all three of them grew up in Beaumont, Texas. Yes, I know these are country artist of the1990s, but I still listen to them and rest of 1980s and 1990s country music. I really hope a new congregation will come in and buy the building and make it new again. God Bless - Jason.

O que aconteceu? Este lugar era pra ser de luz e acolhimento e está entregue as trevas e ao abandono.

It’s called a sanctuary

I would absolutely love to explore abandoned places! I would be afraid of getting caught. Curious how much recon goes into deciding if the risk is worth the reward 🤔

Most likely the second “hall” was the chapel.

Unbelievable, why wasn’t this stuff donated or given away to nonprofits! Just sad! I literally need some filing cabinets!

Spiritual warfare. That’s what the prayer room is about

Where is it?

5:07 ESV and thats probably why they were left there, many churches prefer the King james for worship services. The old thee and thou just sounds better and more respectful and reverent

And mansions

I imagine they couldn't sell it, otherwise HOW COULD YOU DO THAT!? Leaving all those tables, chairs, podiums, toys, BOOKS, choir robes, maps, file cabinets, desks, cribs, MUSIC!?

I looked at this church 2 years ago and a guy told me that he had purchased the church so I moved on with the grant offer

It's not AN AUDITORIUM!!!!!!!

I really like the show but the music is distracting. Thank you 3:19

That is NOT a church, it's a building! Those who are true believers in Christ are the church (ekklesia GK) and there's nothing holy about this structure!