Eighth Street Baptist Church grew out of Court Street Baptist Church, an older and established church known as the "mother church" for all of the predominately-black churches in the city of Lynchburg.

In the 1890's some misunderstandings led to a general unrest in the congregation at Court Street. The situation came to an impasse in April, 1896. The pastor, Dr. Phillip J. Morris and 62 parishioners elected to leave Court Street and establish a new church. This small group of "pioneers" led to the founding of Eighth Street Baptist Church. While the pastor and officers searched for a place to build a church. The services were held in a vacant building on Twelfth Street known as the "soap factory." Services were held there the next Sunday and each Sunday thereafter.

After considering several locations, a lot on the corner of Eighth and Federal was chosen. An architect, Dr. Morris along with his board, was hired and began to design and plan a building that would meet the needs of the waiting congregation. Contractors were hired and construction began immediately. Approximately one year later the congregation entered the new church and there was great rejoicing.

After 110 years of existence, 1896-2006, Eighth Street Baptist Church has had 11 pastors, each of them making their own contributions to preparing the body of Christ for the work of the ministry.