FBC China, TX - Timeline
1898
Organized
First Baptist Church China, TX is second oldest Baptist Church in Jefferson County. The church was admitted to the Southeast Baptist Association in 1900. Sometime in 1898, the Rev. T.H. Feagin came on horseback from Dayton, TX to assist in creating a Baptist Church here in China. He usually preached Saturday nights and twice on Sunday. Services started in members homes and later in 1900, the Baptists and Methodists jointly built a small house of worship, alternating services twice a month.
1903
A Fresh Start
1903
A Fresh Start
Later in 1903, the church members erected a new building on the north side of town at a cost of $300. In the church belfry hung a large bell that would cause the old building to shake when it was rung! The building was later moved in 1911 to the current location on Broadway and Washington. A pastors study, nursery and three Sunday school rooms were added in the rear of the building in 1947.
1955
New Beginnings
In late winter of 1955, the original church was demolished to make way for the first air conditioned sanctuary. An amenity enjoyed by all church members in the Texas heat. It was completed at a cost of $30,000 with a seating capacity for about 300 persons. Just a year prior, an educational building and fellowship hall was completed in the rear of the sanctuary. The old palm tree planted in 1936 by Rev. Ellis Cooke was still out front!




