Alice Drive Baptist Church began as a dream. The adult men's class at First Baptist Church of Sumter saw the need for a new church on the growing western edge of Sumter in 1955. Plans were made, and in October of 1956, Alice Drive Baptist Church was formed. At first the church met at Alice Drive Elementary School and later at Alice Drive Middle School. Property was purchased on Miller road and the first building was built. For much of the church's history, members were faithful to do ministry and to reach out to all God sent their way. Growth was always limited by a lack of space. Each pastor did their best to try faithfully to advance the mission of God. In 1994, Clay Smith came to serve as pastor. The church quickly indicated its desire to sacrifice both finances and comfort in order that unchurched people might be reached. New staff positions were created and the church began to grow. By 1997, it was obvious that the site on Miller Road would no longer be adequate. In 1998, the church purchased 65 acres at the corner of Wise Drive and Loring Mill Road. Even though new property had been purchased, the space needs were so critical that the church took the courageous step of moving the worship services to Nettles Auditorium a the University of South Carolina - Sumter. Adult Sunday School classes were spread thoughout the campus and for two and half years, the church set up three tons of equipment each Sunday throughout the USC campus in order to have worship. The church continued to grow as both a traditional and contemporary worship options were made available. Ground was broken in October of 1999 at the new site. An 80,000 square foot building rose as Alice Drive continued to meet the challenges of sharing the Good News in the Sumter community. The church entered their new building on May 12, 2001.