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Organized in 1891, the First Baptist Church congregation met at the county jail until 1901, when a small church building was built at 13th Street and Avenue G. The church's first pastor was the Rev. J. R. Miller. The Baptist Women's Missionary Society and the Board of Deacons provided leadership during the congregation's early years. Charitable projects were funded by box suppers, ice cream parties, and quilting bees. The congregation called its first full-time pastor, the Rev. B. F. Dixon, in 1905. During his tenure the first parsonage was built and a baptistry was added to the church building. Membership increased in 1925 when Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) opened. Personnel from Lubbock Army Air Field (later Reese Air Force Base) and South Plains Army Air Field were welcomed to the church during World War II. By 1951 the congregation worshiped at the present location on Broadway and Avenue V. First Baptist Church outreach activities have included missions, radio and television programs, a deaf ministry, a child development center, Oriental and Spanish language ministries, and active involvement with the Southern Baptist Convention. 1991 |
