Central Baptist Church

402 South Main Street

Central Baptist Church was organized September 12, 1906, in the home of Brother and Mrs. E.G. Musgrove on South Jackson Street, where Billups Service Station is today.

The following were charter members: Brother and Mrs. E.G. Musgrove, Miss Ella Musgrove, Miss Emma Musgrove, Dr. and Mrs. R.B. Longmire, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Goodman, Dora Goodman, Dr. E.E. Guinn, Brother and Mrs. A.S. Hall and Mildred Hall, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Blaylock, Willie Blaylock, Brother and Mrs. George Williamson, Sr., R. M. McLeod, Brother W.D. Wells, Lura Wells, Male Wells, Lottie Wells and H.H. Wells. A.S. Hall served as moderator and George Williamson was elected church clerk. Brother W.D. Wells was recognized as a deacon. An offering of $3.10 was given to purchase a record book and church roll.

On January 9, 1907, trustees of Central Baptist Church, R.B. Longmire, George Williamson, W.D. Wells, E.E. Guinn, A.L.Brooks, H.H. Hackard purchased from John H. Bolton and his wife, Viola Biolton, Lots 1 and 2, Bock 152. On this property at the corner of Rusk and Main streets, was a boarding house run by Mrs. Caperton. They paid $1,300 cash and a note for $3,950 at 8 per cent interest.

Central Baptist Church met in this building for two years, and on August 24, 1909, the church purchased Lots 1 and 2, Block 169, known as the Old School Presbyterian Church, from the First Presbyterian Church for $3,500, $2,500 of which was borrowed from the Home Mission Board in Atlanta, Georgia. On these lots were a small frame church building and a one-story frame cottage.

In 1013, a new church building was erected on this property at the corner of Main and Larissa streets, after the old buildings were purchased by John A. Beall and moved to the area now known as Texas Bank Parking Lot. Rev. B.G. Holloway was pastor, and Dr. George W. Truett was guest speaker at the opening of the new building.

In 1926, the first Vacation Bible School was held. Mrs. W.T. McKinney was principal and Rev. C.S. McKinney was pastor.

On January 28, 1939, while Dr. D.B. Lloyd was pastor, ground-breaking services for the erection of an educational building were held. The new building, occupied June 25, 1939, joined the sanctuary and was known as the Lloyd Building.

On May 6, 1951, another newly-built educational building was used for the first time. On August 1, 1951, the first service was held in a new sanctuary with Dr. James T. Draper, former pastor, as guest speaker.

In 1955, an additional educational building and chapel were built. Formal opening of the new buildings was held on Sunday, October 14, 1955 in connection with a reception for the new pastor, Rev. Frank B. Burress. The present pastor is Reverend Harold Lansford.

Central Baptist Church purchased this building on September 2, 1909, from First Presbyterian Church. It was located on Lots 1 and 2, Block 169.

In 1913, Central Baptist Church erected this building at corner of Main and Larissa. On June 25, 1939, Lloyd Education Building, at left, was occupied.

Postcard

Central Baptist Church present church plant.