Smithville Baptist Church was organized Sept. 22, 1866. The first minutes state that after a sermon by Elder Robert S. Eaton, the following brothers and sisters organized a church conference for the constitution of the church to-wit: George W. Wright, Wm. Townsend, Wesley Pool, F.A. Franks, Mary Pool, John W. Townsend, Ann Townsend and Robert S. Eaton.

At a church conference May 25, 1867 John W. Townsend, L.W. Robertson and R.L. Eaton were appointed as a building committee to confer with the Masonic Lodge No. 29 relative to building a church under a Masonic Lodge Hall. Donation were to be taken from Christians of the neighborhood on the plan that denominations that could secure payment of $250.00 to the building should be entitled to the exclusive use and control of the building for one week each month, then turn the key over to the custodian.

Prior to the erection of this church building, school when in session, was taught during the week in the Old Solomon School building which was located across from the southeast corner of Smithville Cemetery. On Sundays the different denominations would take thelr turn in having worship service.

In June, 1867 the Masonic lodge appointed a committee of W.C. Sloan, John Townsend and James Burns to contract with the churches for the erection of a Masonic Hall in connection with the Baptist Church. The building was completed the next year.

The foundations timbers, sills, sleepers, joists, ect. were hewn of native woods in the forests of the community. Much of the lumber inside was hand planed, but the siding which was birch was brought here from Tenneasee. It came by way of the Mississippi, Arkansas, White and Black Rivers to Powhatan. From Powhatan it was hauled on wagons drawn by four oxen. That was some 75 years before hardsurfaced roads linked this town with Powhatan. Bro.George B. Borah who was later the pastor for many years, was one of the leaders in transporting this material on the pioneer's ox-drawn wagons.

About the year of l870 Capt. W.C. Sloan bought a bell in St. Louis for use by the church and the Masonic Lodge. At about the same time a stove was bought in St. Louis for use in the church. These words: "Designed in 1853" were molded on its sides.

In June 1869, by vote of tbe Bapist Church, tbe Methodist and Presbyterians were invited to use tbe church at times when needed wben tbere was no Baptist services.

This church was a member of tbe Spring River Baptist Association until 1919 when it merged with tbe Black River Association. Tbe change came out by difference of opinion on conducting work in the state's mission field. Tbose wbo opposed tbe plan of tbe board called tbemselves Landmark Baptists, but later named Missionary Baptists. At this time tbe church splintered and some members organized and worshiped in the old Presbyterian Church just out of town which at that time was on the Jesup road. The first seating facilities were two long roughly finished, hand-made tiers of seats which left a narrow aisle. In 1924 tbese were replaced by much nicer seats made by Frank Moore, a cabinet maker in the area.

In 1939, wben Rev. J.C. Sledd was pastor, tbe church saw tbe need of a new building and voted to raze tbe old building. Much of the work was done by church members under the direction of able carpenters. On October 15, 1939 Dr. Ben L. Bridges preached tbe dedicatory sermon.

Tbe first addition for educational building was added in 1954 wben Dr. J.I. Cossey was pastor. This addition was composed of four Sunday School rooms and a fellowship Hall.

Under tbe pastorite of Dr. H. H. Haney, plans for a second addition composed of a nursery, five classrooms, and rest rooms in 1958. This was completed in 1963 and new pews, communion table and other furniture were placed in tbe church.

Modern convenience, carpeting, pew cushions, etc. have resulted in rather phenominal advancement for the church of 100 years. Material contributions have not only added to tbe comfort and convenience of its audience and it's easy to calculate the material advancement, but spiritual status, can't be measured by units of weight and measure nor by a financial measure. Ita growth from tbe original nine members denotes its faith by its own works.

By J.T. Alexander 1963

Iu 1970 when Bro. George Head was pastor, Mrs. Lottie Hoggard gave funds for a baptistery. A decision was made to use tbe fellowship hall for the pastor's study and build a larger fellowship hall, which included a kitchen and two class rooms.

During the four years Bro. Maurice Hitt was pastor (1978-1982) a bus ministery was made available for bringing children and others to Sunday school, church, youth group meetings in county and state, picnics etc., Mrs. Hitt, teacher of piano and voice, had choir practice weekly for three groups. Cantatas were presented for special occasions and special music for all services.

D.M.B.1983

This article was taken from the Lawrence County Historical Society Quarterly, Spring 1984, Volume 7, Number 2. The information on this page may be used for historical and genealogical purposes and not for financial gain. Any use must be accompanied by written permission of the page owner and this copyright must appear with the article.Jeri Helm Fultz