The first colored Baptist church in extreme West Kentucky was constituted in Paducah in 1855, known now as the Washington Street Baptist Church. The First Baptist Church in Paducah constituted in 1840 was composed of both white and colored members. Strong opposition arose among the white members against the negro slaves worshipping in the church. It, therefore , became necessary to grant letters of dismission to all the colored members to find their own place of worship. This "despondent group" obtained a small building on Washington Street, and constituted a church on the first Sunday in February, 1855, called the Washington Street Baptist Church of Paducah. Four deacons were ordained, and Rev. George Brent, a white minister, served them as the first pastor. Also Brother T. H . Branham, a white man, was their first clerk, and acted as their spiritual advisor. Because Rev. George Brent championed the cause of the Negro church, his stand for their cause was resented and "he was forced to leave the city.”