The First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton has seen more than a few famous people walk through its doors, including a presidential Medal of Freedom winner.

The "little church on the turnpike," as it's known by some, was incorporated in 1924. The original building is about a mile from its current location, the spot in which it has been on for more than 40 years.

Bridgehampton native Joanne Brown has been a church member since she was 12.

"A very loving, supportive group of people and it has no racial barriers or anything. I mean, we're all one," Brown says. "When people become a part of the community here, it's like a safe haven, everyone has your back."

Brown was also married at the church and is a member of the choir and one of the church's selected leaders.

"This church was the first, Baptist, church in this area. When this church was established, incorporated, we were the only Baptist church from East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Southampton -- we were the only Baptist church around," Brown adds.

Since opening its doors almost 100 years ago, the rich history of the church includes guests like civil rights icon Dr. Ralph Abernathy.

Brown has the commemorative booklet Abernathy signed back in 1980, the day he spoke at the current building's dedication. But Abernathy is not the only notable person who's been at the church.

"Susan Taylor, Maya Angelou, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. We have had Truman Capote, Peter Jennings," says the church pastor, Rev. Tisha Williams.

Williams says she created the current motto, "connecting, directing and protecting," in hopes that the message is not only put into practice and felt by those who call the church home, but also impact the people outside the building's historic walls.

"This church has always been a beacon of hope and light in this community," she says.

The church has about 200 members. Williams says the church recently started a mental health program to help people cope during the pandemic.