The History of First National Bank

First National Bank was organized on September 1, 1905.  The Main Office was originally located on Sixth Street but was moved to Liberty Street in April of 1956.

When established in 1905, First National Bank of Waynesboro was under the leadership of Palmer L. Corker.  Mr. Corker served as president until 1918, the bank grew and prospered during the 13 years of Mr. Corker’s leadership.  When he retired in 1918 Judge William H. Davis was elected president and held the position for ten years, until 1928.  Simeon Bell served as First National’s third president through 1929. 

In January, 1930 Jesse C. Palmer Sr. was elected president and in 1959, Jesse C. Palmer, Jr. succeeded his father as president of First National.  In 1982 our current President and CEO, Jesse C. Palmer III, became the third Palmer to be President here at First National Bank of Waynesboro. 

The community owned, home operated, independent bank takes pride in providing it’s customers with 17 teller windows, three locations and more banking hours than any other financial institution in Burke County.  We pride ourselves in knowing our customers on a personal level offering services to meet their individual needs. One of our three locations is a full service supermarket branch located in Harvey’s Grocery Store on Sixth Street, providing extended hours to our customers.   

First National Bank Employees are a vital part of this community. Many of our employees serve on various committees and organizations throughout the community.  Employees take time during the summer to staff our local Wimberly House Ministries after school program, donate materials to Wimberly House; they even supply gifts for local foster children during the Christmas season.  Also the creation of our local Downtown Organization of Retailers group was created by a First National Bank Employee and since it’s beginning in 1999, chairmanship has been held by a First National Bank Employee. 

As you can see First National Bank of Waynesboro continues to live by its motto,
“It’s always been more than money.”  We truly care about the needs of our customers and want to thank you for your business!