The Flat Rock area, a significant historical site once inhabited by Tuscarora, Occoneechee, and Saponi Indians, underwent a substantial transformation in the late 1600s to early 1700s with the arrival of the first white settlers. This pivotal event, which saw the formation of Bertie County from Chowan and Edgecombe County from Bertie, marked a major shift in the region's history. In 1746, Granville County emerged from Edgecombe, and in 1765, Bute County was formed from Granville. The year 1779 saw the birth of Franklin County from Bute County. The first major influx of white settlers into the Flat Rock area occurred between 1750 and 1760, further shaping the region's historical context.

There were many large plantations, composed of several thousand acres of land, that were established during the 1700's in this area. Since travel was mainly by horse and wagon, there was a need for children to be educated close to their homes. Most plantations and churches established schools for teaching the children in their area. From 1824-1928, Flat Rock had four different school buildings, with the first located northwest of the current church building near the old rock baptistery. This school building was used in 1891. The second school building was east of the current educational building near the new fellowship hall. The third school building was located northeast of Mozelle Wiggins Wheeler's house, on land the Wiggins family owned. The fourth and last school building was located about 0.3 miles north of Jones Hart's store on the left, on Mays Crossroads Road. The teachers for those schools lived with the local families during the school years as boarders to be close to the schools due to the difficulty of traveling. Those schools were operated under the authority of the Freeman Township School Committee. The teachers were paid at first by the local community families, and after 1840, the state and county started to supplement the salaries.

In 1820, William Rives gave the Militants of Jesus Christ Church approximately 1 3/4 acres of land "for the use and the only use of a meeting house." It is possible that this group later became a part of Flat Rock. In 1818, Moses Neal purchased a tract of land from Thomas Crocker and reserved an acre where Flat Rock now stands. No recorded deed of this original acre of land has been found.

The first church was a log building used for worship and as a school. It may have been used until 1879 a new church building was constructed. This building was located on the same site as our current church and cost one thousand dollars ($1000.00). It was used until 1940, when a fire destroyed it. Our current church building was constructed between 1940 and 1941.

The church has acquired land from several families over the years as needed. In 1915, the church purchased one acre of land from the Franklin County Board of Education. This was formerly the second school property adjoining the church property. Later, the land was acquired from Mr. Ben Hart, Mr. Rom Catlett, Mr. Sammy Wiggins, and Mr. Paul Wheeler. Mr. Millard Perry, Haywood, and Stella Wiggins donated land to the church. The church now owns 8.25 acres of land. The church received its name from the many large, flat rocks in its vicinity. An "acre rock" is located south of the church, and several other large, flat rocks are located near it.

The people who organized Flat Rock came from several nearby churches. Their membership was dropped from the individual churches so that they could form a new church. The need for a local church was logical and practical as the Flat Rock community grew. A local church would reduce travel time, which was very difficult during winter. Before the church's organization, a group of women, on June 6, 1823, organized the Flat Rock Female Missionary Society, which was an arm of the Crossroads Church (Wake Crossroads Baptist Church). This organization continued as an arm of the Crossroads Church until the church was organized on Saturday, July 10, 1824. The Women's Missionary Union (WMU) continues today to be a vital organization within the church; it is also the oldest organization, playing a crucial role in the community's growth and development.

Since its organization, the church has been a vital part of the Flat Rock community. The Women's Missionary Union (WMU) has played a crucial role in teaching Christian principles and values to the children and adults of Flat Rock, making it one of the oldest and most important organizations within the church. This strong community connection is something we can all be proud of.

Flat Rock's journey through different associations is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to its mission. The church first joined the Raleigh Association in 1824. In 1831, it became a part of the Tar River Association. In 1860, Flat Rock was one of the original members of the Central Association. Later, it returned to the Raleigh Association, and in 1959, the church moved its affiliation back to the Tar River Association, a decision that reflected its evolving needs and priorities. These changes in association underscore the church's resilience and evolution over the years.

Flat Rock was a traditional farm community church from 1824 to 1945, and almost every family was involved in farming. About 12-15 families were related to each other through marriage and had roots in the church from its organization. After World War II came road improvements, and more people could own automobiles. Some members of Flat Rock began to work in manufacturing plants nearby. This pattern continued until around 1965. During this time, farming began to decline, and more members started working off the farm. Also, many women began to work outside the home.

From 1965 until today, we have seen tremendous growth in job opportunities in the Research Triangle area, and many of our members have benefited from this. This growth has brought many new families to our community without connection to the original church families. We live in one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. During the past fifteen years, our church has gained new members who have taken leadership roles.

This growth is a testament to our God's provisions and faithfulness.

Today, Flat Rock Church has a diverse membership, which presents a tremendous opportunity to reach the lost people in our community.