Our History
A Bright Beginning
A small group of Baptists under the leadership of the Rev. J.H. Cason, missionary with the Texas Mission Board, organized the First Baptist Church of Vernon on July 17, 1884. Charter members were recorded as Mrs. R.F. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Boger, Mr. and Mrs. E. Lowe, R.S. Kelly and Mrs. Hale. FBC was the second church established in Vernon.
In 1887, the Rev. S.A. Beauchamp, a state missionary, was called as the first full-time pastor and served until 1889.
Four lots were purchased at the corner of Mesquite and Marshall on May 21, 1888 for the first building. The first Sunday school was organized by J.A. Gilliland in June 1889. The first wedding ceremony performed in the church was that of J.A. Gilliland and Clemita Sink in 1889.
Moving Ahead
In 1906, four lots on Main Street were bought and the old building and lot were sold to Central Christian Church. Services were first held in the second facility on May 20, 1907. An addition was made on two adjoining lots in 1917.
This facility was sold in 1926 after purchasing the block between Paradise and Wichita on Fannin Street where the church is currently located. The second building (pictured here) stood until the end of the 20th century.
First Baptist Church has been blessed by many godly pastors; one of them, Dr. Ewing S. (E.S.) James was particulalry well known. Dr. James started his tenure here on July 4, 1937 and served 17 years. During this period, FBCV planted churches in every part of the city. Dr. James is still remembered for his devotion, dedication, concern and compassion. He fought for the separation of church and state and stood against segregation. Dr. James retired on September 1, 1954 to serve as the editor of the "Baptist Standard," the Texas Baptist Newspaper.
Celebrating the past. . . Looking to the future
First Baptist Vernon continued to move ahead in the late 20th century. The facilities have been consistently upgraded, remodeled, and added onto. First Baptist has continued to be a fixture in the community of Vernon and solidified its reputation as a strong Baptist General Convention of Texas church
In January of 2007 FBC Vernon called Dr. Ben Macklin and his family to come and minister. Dr. Macklin (Brother Ben) continues to lead the church to new heights of emphasis on missions and evangelism. The church is continuing to undergo a renaissance of member involvement, healthy church growth, fellowship, ministry, worship, missions, and discipleship. In 2009 we celebrated 125 years of ministry, but we are looking ahead. New emphasis is placed on personal evangelism and a “go and tell” mentality to ensure that FBC Vernon will continue to be the place of powerful spiritual transformation for years to come.
