This magnificent building with its red brick façade and red tiled roof is the First Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida. It was founded in 1889 by Elder T. J. Sparkman. He built the first wooden structure for worship in 1892. In 1912, it was replaced with this Romanesque Revival building along Manatee Avenue West in the heart of downtown. The “Old Sanctuary,” which is surrounded with stained glass windows, is now reserved for ceremonies and special occasions since a new, larger church was built next door in 1982.
