August 15, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Another local church has reached a landmark year in its history
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY (pdf)
The Smithville First Baptist Church will be celebrating 175 years this Sunday, August 18. The congregation will meet in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. for a time of reflection followed by the worship service at 10:00 a.m. featuring guest speaker Dr. Jimmy Draper, former President of Lifeway and the Southern Baptist Convention. After the worship service a homecoming meal will be served at the church’s Life Enrichment Center.
“This is big year for SmithvilleFBC. Our church was founded in 1844 and we turn 175 years old this year. God has truly blessed SmithvilleFBC and we are going to celebrate what God has done and what God is going to do through SmithvilleFBC. Come Join us this Sunday,” said Chad Ramsey, church pastor.
According to a church history prepared for the 150th anniversary celebration in 1994, the First Baptist Church of Smithville was organized on August 25, 1844 and met in the Methodist Church building. It is believed that the congregation continued to meet there until 1858. The principal organizer and first minister was Jesse Allen. He served as pastor until his death in 1858. That being the same year the first building was erected. The large frame building was located on the same lot occupied by the present building though it faced south toward town.
John T. Oakley was pastor when construction was completed on a new building in 1902. This new church was a large frame structure painted white, with a tall and impressive steeple in which hung the bell. This church building faced west toward College Street.
The church acquired its first parsonage in June, 1936 when it bought the Jack Allen property on Shady Lane. The first pastor to occupy it was Joe Strother.
In 1952 a groundbreaking service was held for construction of a new church building to face north on Church Street and the first service there took place on April 5 followed by a dedication service on April 26.
Mrs. Bessie Lee Colvert donated a plot of ground on Highway 70 east for the purpose of building a new parsonage in October, 1967. The church accepted this free gift. Ray Ridgeway was the first pastor to reside in the new parsonage.
In November, 1972 plans were made and adopted to build a three story addition to the church and that was completed in August, 1973. A year later, the church voted to purchase property adjacent to the church known as Gothard’s Cleaners to be used for expansion. The building was renovated and has been used for many purposes.
Over the last several years the church has expanded its community outreach services including the addition of the Life Enrichment Center.
“We look forward to the church’s 175th anniversary celebration Sunday and the many years to come of this church’s ministry,” said Pastor Ramsey.