100 Years
The Most Beautiful Place to Worship in North Carolina
In 2018, Architectural Digest named our sanctuary “the most beautiful place to worship in North Carolina.” The Asheville Museum of History’s website describes it as “the most unusual Baptist Church in North Carolina.” Many local friends call it “The Dome Church.”
Those of us who worship here simply call it “the sanctuary.” We know the Beaux Arts and Art Deco architectural styles are not only delightful to the eye, but also the enchanting site of a sacred history lived by generations of devoted Christians. For almost 100 years, our grand house of worship has complemented the pilgrimage of a particular people called First Baptist Church of Asheville.
When we lift our eyes to Douglas Ellington’s masterpiece, we see a physical structure infused with myriad holy experiences and sacred encounters.
We see the dome and remember summer nights watching fireworks burst across the city skyline.
We see the grand columns in the portico and recall the Christmas tree lights piercing the darkness of Covid and a gathering place for Asheville after Helene.
We see the warm wooden walls and floors of the chancel and recollect countless glimpses of worship, choirs and orchestras lifting our hearts, theatrical performances and historic church conferences.
We see the aisles between the pews guiding wedding parties to recite their vows and grieving families to hear the promise of resurrection.
We see the shimmering green tilework of the baptistery and remember new disciples rising from the waters of new creation.
For all who come here seeking communion with God, there is no separating the striking, historic architecture from the redeeming, abundant life it has held and shaped for a century.
Next March, we get to add another layer of depth to our holy history. On behalf of the Centennial Team, I invite you to plan for March 7, 2027. That morning we will gather in this beautiful, unusual, wonderful sanctuary God has entrusted to us.
We will worship, remember, celebrate and give thanks.
Save the date!
– Mack Dennis, Senior Pastor
Preview of Events
February 20 — Ellington 4-Mile Run & Walk — Register Now!
Saturday, February 20, 2027 · 8:30 a.m.
Snow date: March 27, 2027
Participants will begin the inaugural Ellington 4-Mile Run & Walk in the church’s front parking lot and will complete a course that passes three additional Ellington buildings: Asheville City Hall, Asheville High School, and the S&W Cafeteria Building. Participants will receive a T-shirt and medal. Overall and age group awards will be presented.
4-Mile Event: $35 · 1-Mile Fun Run: $10
Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Asheville/EllingtonMileRunWalk
Sponsored by the FBCA Foundation. Proceeds will go to the Sanctuary Restoration Fund.
February 17 – March 17 — Lenten Vespers
Wednesdays: February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17 · 6:00 p.m.
Ellington’s ecclesiastical symbolism in his design for the sanctuary will inspire our Lenten preparations for Easter Sunday, March 28, 2027. Lenten vesper services will be on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.
February 28 — Centennial Concert
Saturday, February 28, 2027
Details coming soon.
March 7 — Centennial Rededication Service
Sunday, March 7, 2027 · 11:00 a.m.
The congregation will rededicate the historic Ellington sanctuary in the 11 a.m. worship service. Lunch to follow.
March 20 — Asheville Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert
Saturday, March 20, 2027
The ASO masterworks program will begin with Gli uccelli (The Birds) by Ottorino Respighi, written in 1927. In addition to a horn concerto by Reinhold Glière, the program will culminate with Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, the celebrated “Organ Symphony,” featuring Tate Addis, former FBCA associate director of music, as organ soloist.
September 27 – October 1 — Pilgrimage to Florence
September 27 – October 1, 2027
As part of our centennial year pilgrimage, join fellow FBCA pilgrims for a three-night stay in Florence, where we will visit the Duomo di Firenze, the architectural inspiration for our own sanctuary dome. Optional excursions will offer additional opportunities to explore the country’s renowned artistic, historical, and spiritual treasures together.