History of First Baptist Church in Fulton, Missouri

It is evident from a study of the record that Baptists have had an important part in the history of Fulton. The city was laid out in 1825 on a fifty acre plot of land acquired from George Nichols, "an excellent, Christian gentlemen and consistent member of the ‘Old Baptist’ Church."

Members of the Baptists ... "Were the first to bear aloft the banner of the Christian religion in Callaway County, beginning their labors with Salem Church (‘Old Baptist’)". The records are not completely clear but there is very little doubt that the church referred to as ‘Old Baptist’ was the Richland Baptist Church. The first church of Baptist faith in Fulton was erected by the ‘Old Baptists’. This church was known as the United Baptist Church of Fulton. It was organized in the house of Mrs. S. A. McCredie on October 18, 1854. This house is located on the alley south of East Fifth Street near Bluff Street.

From the very first records, we read the following statement: "A number of members of the United Baptist Church residing in Fulton met at the residence of Mrs. S. A. McCredie to take into consideration the subject of a church of the above faith and order in Fulton. On motion, Brother John Moss was called to the chair and Brother J. G. Smith was appointed secretary. After the objectives of the meeting had been stated and a 'full and free interchange of opinion had followed, it was moved and carried that a committee of three be appointed to ‘ascertain who would go into the constitution of the church at this place’." This committee was composed of Brother Henry Clay Anderson, Brother Wells (first name not given), and Brother J. F. Smith. As this meeting continued, Brothers Elkanah Smith, William Craig, Samuel Watson, John Snell, William Wright, J. Flood, and T. B. Harris were appointed as committee to secure a lot for the erection of a house of worship and Brother Joseph Flood was also selected to "correspond with ministering brethren with a view of obtaining aid in the constitution of a church at some future time."

On September 15, 1854, a meeting was called and the three committees reported as follows:

a. No new names to add to the list.

b. A suitable lot can be obtained.

c. No definite arrangement had been made as to ministerial aid 
   in organizing the church.

On September 30, 1854 another meeting was held but still no further progress was made and they adjourned subject to the call of the committee.

The October 18, 1854 meeting in the home of Mrs. S. A. McCredie was the next called meeting. In the organizing body of this meeting were the Rev. James E. Hughes and Rev. Marin D. Noland. There were fifteen charter members constituting the new church, namely: Mrs. Levisa Cook, Mrs. Sally A. McCredie, Miss Levisa McCredie, Mr. Elkanah Smith, Mrs. Sarah Smith, Mr. James Greene Smith, Mrs. Eliza Norris, Mr. H. C. Anderson, Mrs. Ann A. Anderson, Mrs. Edy (D. M.) Tucker, Mrs. Mary B. Hardin, Mr. Lewis Overton, Miss Nancy Overton, Mr. James G. George and Elizabeth Dyer.

The Methodists offered their house of worship as a place for the newly organized church to meet until they could complete their own house of worship, provided the Baptist meeting did not conflict with the Methodist meeting dates. The first Baptist meetings were held once a month.

In March of 1855, Rev. James F. Hughes was unanimously elected the first pastor. Rev. Hughes resigned in September of the same year.

In July of 1855, a committee was appointed to make definite arrangements to build the basement of the new church house.

The new building was dedicated August 9, 1857. Rev. Xerxes Xavier Buckner preached the sermon and dedication. The building was of native stone and stood facing south on the north side of East Fifth Street between Market and Bluff Streets. It was a two story structure with the lower rooms being used for the first Public School in Fulton.

After the resignation of Rev. James E. Hughes in September, 1855, Rev. James F. Smith was called unanimously and served as pastor until October, 1857 and Rev. Jesse Hollis served until July, 1859.

It is interesting to note that in October of 1857, the use of the church, when not occupied, was granted to ‘Old Brother Bob’, a Negro slave belonging to W. M. George. In the minutes references are made to servants who united with the church and were baptized. A gallery over the front door of the church was set apart for the use of the colored members. It was not until 1866 that the colored members formed their own organization under the sponsorship of the Baptist Church.

In January, 1859 final subscriptions were taken to pay off the debt of $1,110.00.

The new pastor, following the resignation of Rev. Hollis in July, 1859, was Rev. James Greene Smith, one of the charter members of the original church. Rev. Smith was ordained to the gospel ministry in June of 1859 by the United Baptist Church of Fulton and Reverends Hollis, J. M. Robison and Macey made up the ordaining committee. Rev. Smith was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elkanah Smith, also charter members of the church. Brother Smith continued as pastor until 1863 when his health failed. In May, 1863 Brother Elden N. Cate became supply pastor until Rev. Smith’s health was restored or until they could obtain a pastor. Rev. Smith’s health grew worse and he died June 30, 1863. The record states that Rev. Smith was the first graduate of Westminster College and that he received the A. B. degree. Both he and his wife, the former Isobel McCredie, taught school in the neighborhood of Fulton.

Items of special interest in the minutes between 1859-70 are statements that the covenant and Rules of Decorum were ordered read every three months. A new janitor was selected, and agreed to act in that capacity for $70.00 per year--he to furnish his own fuel and oil. A committee, to consist of the deacons, was appointed "to assess on the church members their proportionate part of the incidental expenses" the taxes they paid being the rule to go by. Mention was made that the pastor’s salary for six months was to be $100.00. A committee was appointed to visit members who failed to attend stated business meetings and request them to attend the next meeting. In 1867 the organ for use in Sunday School was first mentioned.

In January, 1864 Brother W. Henry Burnham was called to the care of the church and accepted. During his pastorate, July, 1864, John D. Robnett united with the church and was licensed by the church in March, 1867 and ordained to the ministry Christmas Day 1870. The ordaining committee consisted of Dr. Rombout N. Flood and William B. Walthall. Brother Robnett moved to Texas and became a successful minister of the gospel. Brother Burnham continued until 1868 when Rev. Sylvester A. Beauchamp was chosen. Rev. Beauchamp’s health failed after two years and three months, and Brother J. B. Patrick served until April, 1871, when Rev. H. M. Richardson took charge as pastor and remained until February, 1873. Then church had full time preaching for the first time during the time Rev. Richardson was pastor.

The church adopted a resolution in 1870 to become auxiliary to the Missouri Baptist General Association. The same year, the Little Bonne Femme Association was entertained by the church and homes were furnished for the messengers and pastures for their horses.

Brother William Ferguson became the pastor in the summer of 1873 and served until August, 1874 when he became financial agent for William Jewell College. J. C. Armstrong acted as supply for a few weeks but returned to college in October and the church was without a pastor until March, 1875 when Brother William F. Kane accepted the call but served only until October.

Rev. B. T. Taylor accepted a call which was by majority vote but not unanimous. Rev. Taylor began his work in March, 1876. This election caused great dissatisfaction in the church, and those opposed to Taylor at last withdrew and were organized into a church called the Second Baptist Church of Fulton, July 13, 1876 with Brother J. W. Swift as pastor. Rev. B. T. Taylor served the original church until March, 1877 and the following April Rev. R. M. Tipton was called as pastor. He served one year and Rev. Nichols became pastor in January, 1879 but stayed only a few months and resigned. In February, 1880 Rev. James F. Smith again accepted the care of the church which he continued to serve faithfully until April, 1883.

Brother J. W. Swift served the Second Church one year, which, in the meantime had taken residence in the old wooden building purchased from the Presbyterian Church when it moved to the new brick building located on the side of the present Presbyterian Church building. The old wooden building was on the site which was to become the location of the First Baptist Church at Seventh and Court Streets. Brother Luther M. Bibb became pastor of the Second Church in November of 1877, and served until February of 1878. Rev. L. M. Berry was called the following June and served until October of 1879. The Second Church maintained half time preaching and Rev. W. H. Burnham became pastor in February of 1880, and served until April of 1883.

In April of 1883, during a revival meeting, held in the United Baptist Church and conducted by Dr. L. B. Woolfolk and the pastor, James F. Smith, an invitation was extended to the Second Church to unite with them in the meeting. Before the close of the revival the union of the two churches was consummated and the pastor of both churches resigned. The old stone church building on Fifth Street was sold for $1,670.00 and the wooden structure at Seventh and Court Streets was taken down and a new brick house of worship was built there.

The Rev. J. M. P. Martin became the new pastor in November of 1883. The new $8,635.00 brick structure was dedicated in 1884 as the First Baptist Church of Fulton, Missouri. Rev. J. C. Armstrong preached the dedication sermon using as his text Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." This house faced south and was on a lot which stood near the intersection of Court and Seventh Streets, the driveways going around the north and south ends to join Court Street. The new First Baptist Church consisted of an auditorium and Sunday School rooms. It was modern in that it contained an indoor baptistry, the ordinance of baptism having been previously administered in the creek. The church in its new location was truly united with services every Sunday, a weekly prayer meeting and an active Sunday School of 115 members.

The first Ladies Missionary Society was organized in 1881 with Mrs. Mary M Adams (J. J.) Brown as President. In 1889, the Senior B.Y.P.U. was organized with Miss Hallie Richmond as President.

In 1884 record gives the salary of Rev. J. M. P. Martin as $800.00 per year and shows a treasury balance of $69.77. The 1884 record also revealed that all was not smooth in the new organization. Two of the ladies of the church were brought before a special investigation committee resulting in one of the parties being excluded.

The financial support of the church always seems to be difficult. In March of 1885 a Protracted Meeting was held by a "Brother Isbu" and he was allowed $16.00 for his services.

Rev. Martin became ill and presented his resignation as pastor effective on May 1, 1886. The church had no pastor until Rev. A. E. Rogers came on the first of October of the same year. Reverend Rogers’ salary was $950.00 per year.

Just six days after Rev. Rogers became pastor a certain member was brought before the congregation who was guilty of drunkenness. This member made a personal appeal to the church and the church "decides to try him another month." In May of the following year another member appeared before the business meeting, admitted playing cards for money and asked forgiveness. His request was granted but several months later this member along with two others were excluded from the church.

In spite of the difficult problems which faced the church, the ministry of Brother Rogers was blessed and the church was much stronger at the time of the close of his period of service which became effective June 1, 1890.

Rev. C. W. Dicken was called on July 30, 1890 and served until September 1, 1891.

The Reverend W. G. Thomas became the pastor on January 1, 1892 at a stated salary of $1,200.00 but the church was to "charge him $12.50 per month rent for parsonage." During the ministry of Rev. Thomas the Young People’s Union was "sanctioned" and Miss Hallie Richmond was confirmed as president.

Reverend W. G. Thomas’ ministry ended with the third Sunday of April 1894 and Rev. William Shelton was called on the following Sunday.

On January 29, 1896 Brother Howard Weeks was licensed to preach and left Fulton immediately to enter the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

During the period from 1894 to 1897 it seemed more difficult each year for the church to meet its financial obligations. Finally the pastor’s salary was reduced to $70.00 per month and the old finance committee was discharged and a new one appointed. In February, 1897 the envelope system for weekly offering was adopted. The pastor’s salary was now set at $1,050.00 per year. Reverend Shelton resigned in March to become effective April 1, 1897.

Following Reverend Shelton’s resignation, Reverend Howard Weeks was asked to supply for a few months. He began in June, 1897 and received $60.00 per month. In August of the same year a committee on membership reported the church to have 300 members.

Reverend Weeks was ordained to the gospel ministry on September 16, 1898 and Reverend Pittman of Mexico, Missouri, preached the ordination sermon.

On September 29, 1897 the Reverend B. G. Tutt was called as pastor and the church began to take on new life. However, Reverend Tutt was not satisfied with the progress of the church and presented his resignation in December of 1899. After much discussion the church by unanimous vote requested him to withdraw the resignation and Reverend Tutt continued as pastor.

The church was greatly grieved by the death of Mrs. J. J. Brown. This is evidenced by a resolution presented on February 11, 1900, expressing appreciation for her and the sorrow felt by all.

Reverend B. G. Tutt resigned in October, 1900 and Reverend J. P. Stuart was called in March of 1901. The salary of the new pastor was $900.00 per year. Major improvements were made to the church building during the summer and fall of 1901. These improvements cost $1,560.78. The report of the finance committee representing local expense offering to be $821.67. This was in addition to the amount collected to improve the building.

The resignation of Reverend J. P. Stuart was presented and became effective September 1, 1902.

Reverend George H. Swift of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was called in November, 1902 with an annual salary of $1,050.00. The parsonage was not included in the agreement with the new pastor. The parsonage was rented in December to another party other than the pastor.

A committee was appointed to call an ordination council to ordain Rev. Swift and on January 20, 1903, the ordination took place with twenty-eight men on the council representing eighteen churches.

The church evidenced a missionary spirit by support of William Jewell College and the establishment of a mission Sunday School for Negroes. In 1904 money was voted to support the college and mission.

In November of 1904 Brother Swift became ill and "Brother Davis" was invited to supply. After a short illness Reverend Swift became active again and in January, 1905 a building fund was started, looking to the day when a new building could be built. By January, 1907 the building fund totaled only $897.30 but renewed interest brought the fund to $1,197.80 on July 3, 1907.

The membership committee reporting in February, 1906 showed the membership to be 453 with 114 living outside the county.

Reverend Swift planned to enter school and presented his resignation to take effect on September 28, 1907. This was accepted and complimentary resolutions are spread in the minutes of the church.

Brother David H. Harris was elected Assistant Moderator of the State Association in the fall of 1907 and the church was proud to have one of its members elected to this high office.

In October of 1907 the church called Dr. J. F. Williams of Versailles, Kentucky. Dr. Williams declined the call and the church continued to be without a pastor until Reverend H. N. Quisenbury of the College Avenue Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, was called at an annual salary of $1,500.00. Reverend Quisenbury began his work March 1, 1908.

An interesting side light to the regular activities is the order by vote of the church instructing the "Trustees to have convenient hitching places for our country members." On April 1, 1908 we have the report of the Trustees showing that the hitching places had been provided for the horses.

In May of 1908, a resolution was presented which urged the church to proceed at once to formulate plans and devise ways and means for the erection of a new church building. At this time the membership was reported to be 372.

By March 1909 the pastor’s salary had been increased to $1,650.00 and the church was taking on new life. The bids for the new building were opened and Davis and Johnson of Joplin, Missouri, was the low bidder with a bid of $17,900.00.

In the April 1909 meeting, the Joplin company was awarded the contract and the trustees were instructed to find a place to store the pews and other furniture while the new building was being constructed.

The last baptism in the old church was that of Miss May Jones on Monday, April 26, 1909.

The corner stone of the new building was laid in July of 1909, and in December of that year authority was given by the church to open West Seventh Street through the old church lot and close the street which divided the north and south edges of the old church property.

Reverend Quisenbury, who had worked faithfully during the erection of the new building, resigned on March 3, 1910, to become effective on June 1st. On April 10, 1910, Miss Ina Fisher was the first member to be baptized in the new church building.

On April 11th Dr. William Williamson of St. Louis began a series of revival services and on April 17, 1910 the church building was dedicated. The debt stood at $6,000.00 as this service began but was paid in full as the collection taken on that day amounted to $6,474.70. The revival continued for a two-week period and thirty-five presented themselves for membership.

On July 13, 1910 the church called Reverend J. A. Taylor of Shelbyville, as pastor with an annual salary of $1,500.00. Reverend Taylor arrived and took charge as pastor on August 30, 1910.

At a called meeting of the church on October 26, 1910, "Brother J. R. Black was duly licensed to preach by a full vote of the church."

A resolution presented in January, 1911 increased the number of active deacons to nine and the church adopted a budget for the year 1911 of $2,500.00. The amount expended for all purposes the preceding year was $2,488.00.

A council was called at the request of the Ebenezer Baptist Church for the purpose of ordaining Brother J. Robert Black to the ministry. Brother Black was pastor at the Ebenezer Church. The following quotation is taken from the regular minutes of the Fulton Church: "Bro. J. Robt. Black was ordained to the Baptist ministry in regular form Sunday, Sept. 24th, 1911. The Pastor and Deacons of this church, Bro. J. T. Mason, Pastor of Mexico, MO., S. W. Simcoe, Deacon and H. S. Houf, Deacon of Richland Baptist Church, composed the council." Deacon H. B. Lang was chairman of the council with J. W. Carter, secretary, and Reverend Mason acted as examiner.

In March, 1913 the church purchased the property on the corner of West Seventh Street and Jefferson for a parsonage for $5,300.00. A month later this property was declared not suitable for a parsonage. In May this house was traded for a residence on Nichols Street between Ninth and Tenth Streets. When this transaction was completed the debt on this property was $1,400.00.

The church increased the pastor’s salary $200.00 per year in May, 1913 and pledged $2,000.00 for all mission causes.

The total membership in August, 1913 was 471 but this had increased to 692 by June, 1916 and the total amount of all moneys received for the year ending August 1, 1916 was $4,284.62.

In December, 1916 the number of deacons was increased from nine to twelve members, with four elected each year for a three-year term but they could succeed themselves in office.

The church discovered that some of the mission money had been paid through the Northern Convention and in June, 1917 passed a resolution directing all moneys given by the church for Home and Foreign Missions be paid through the Southern Baptist Board.

Seven hundred fourteen is the number of members reported in August, 1917.

At a called meeting of the church on January 16, 1918 Reverend J. A. Taylor resigned, closing his work the last Sunday of January. He stated that he had accepted a call as pastor in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The church expressed deep regret in accepting Brother Taylor’s resignation and prepared proper resolution commending him for his fine work.

On February 6, 1918 Reverend Everett Gill was employed as supply pastor at a salary of $25.00 per week.

Little mention is made in the records of the church about World War I but the minutes show that the clerk was asked to prepare a list of all members that were in service of the government and add others names as they entered service. The list included thirty-two of the members in the service of their country.

Dr. E. M. Harris of Marion, Virginia, was called as pastor at a salary of $1,800.00 per year. Dr. Harris and family arrived on Saturday, June 15, 1918, and he preached his first sermon the following day using Acts 20:28 as a text.

On July 3, 1918 the church authorized the purchase of the Herbert Hill’s property on Market Street as a parsonage for the price of $5,000.00.

The Sunday School enrollment on May 7, 1919 was 595 and the average attendance for the previous quarter was 269.

The following resolution was presented and passed on July 2, 1919: "In as much as the present Missouri Plan deprives the Churches of the state of the enthusiasm and inspiration that would come to them by a closer relation with one or the other of our great national bodies, and In as much as all of the contributing churches of the state except sixteen are already affiliating in whole or in part, with the Southern Baptist Convention, therefore be it, Resolved that we, the First Baptist Church of Fulton, Missouri, in conference assembled, after due deliberation and earnest prayer, do believe that single alignment and that the Southern Baptist Convention would be in the interest of harmony, progress and efficiency, and to that end we hereby instruct our delegates to the Little Bonne Femme Association and the Missouri General Association so to work and vote."

The resignation of Pastor E. M. Harris was offered on November 3, 1920. This was accepted and a six weeks vacation was granted to him beginning after November 14th.

Reverend Asa Q. Burns of Mexico, Missouri, supplied the pulpit until Dr. J. C. Owen of Franklin, North Carolina, became the pastor. Dr. Owen preached his first sermon on July 3, 1921. The church set the new pastor’s salary at $3,000.00 annually plus the parsonage.

The church voted $200.00 to furnish a new diet kitchen at the Callaway Hospital in June, 1921.

Renewed strength was evidenced when in August there were 303 pledges which totaled $4,221.85.

In September, 1921, the church voted to favor the dividing of the Little Bonne Femme Association to constitute two associations. The Fulton church joined with the Baptist Churches in Callaway County and two churches in Montgomery County. This organization became the Callaway County Baptist Association.

Dr. J. C. Owen was elected by the State Board of the Missouri Baptist General Association as General Director for the 75 Million Reinforcement Campaign. This was in July, 1922 and Dr. Owen asked the church for a five month leave of absence from August 1, 1922 to January 1, 1923 in order to direct the campaign. The church granted the leave of absence and permitted Dr. Owen’s family the use of the parsonage without charge.

The Reverend A. Q. Burns filled the pulpit from September 1, 1922 until January 1, 1923. The church continued to make progress during this period. In November, 1922, the Women’s Missionary Society reported an enrollment of 50 active and 16 inactive members with an average attendance of 22.

The 75 Million Campaign seemed to have had a good beginning. R. E. Fisher, treasurer for the fund for the church, reported in February, 1923 that the receipts for the campaign had totaled $609.50 during the preceding quarter.

The church was saddened in May, 1923 by the death of W. P. Palmer, who for 15 years had served as church clerk. Resolutions in the minutes gave evidence of the high esteem by which he was held.

A resolution in the May 2, 1923 minutes creates a Building Fund for Sunday School purposes. The gift of $5.00 from the Cradle Roll Department was the first contribution to the new fund.

During the summer Dr. H. N. Quisenberry, who had been pastor during the 1908-10 period, presented his large pulpit Bible to the church. The ladies of the church furnished a room at Southwest Baptist College, Bolivar, Missouri, during the same period.

While Dr. Owen was pastor the church was alert to conditions about it. This is evidenced by a resolution presented against dancing in May, 1923 and a strong resolution presented in March, 1924 favoring the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

On March 31, 1924 the Sunday School enrollment was 459 and the average attendance was 267.

Dr. Jesse C. Owen resigned in May, 1924 to become the pastor of the 15th Avenue Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, completing almost three years of a successful pastorate.

The church suffered a great loss on May 15, 1924 when Dr. J. J. Brown in death went into the Great Beyond. Through the years Dr. Brown had been the faithful chairman of the finance committee. No task was too great for him to face. It was he who led in the securing of funds for the building of the first brick structure on Court Street dedicated in 1884 and his untiring efforts made possible the present place of worship dedicated in 1910.

On July 2, 1924, the following report regarding the 75 Million Campaign was presented: "Mrs. E. C. Henderson made a report for the Special Committee appointed to aid in the collection of the pledges made to the 75 Million Campaign, which report was as follows: Total pledges $18,431.50, amount paid on pledges up to February 5, 1924 $11,210.00, amount paid between February 5th and July 2, 1924 $2,071.00, leaving the total amount of pledges still unpaid as $5,150.00."

Reverend James A. Taylor of Brookhaven, Mississippi, was extended a call by a vote of 103 to 31 on August 17, 1924. This call was declined by Reverend Taylor.

The Pulpit Committee presented the name of Dr. A. W. Tandy of Mason City, Iowa, on January 11, 1925. Dr. Tandy received a unanimous call and the salary was set at $2,700.00 and the parsonage was furnished. Dr. Tandy came to the church in February, 1925.

During the summer of 1925 major repairs were made on the church building. These were completed by the middle of August at a cost of $2,600.00. The congregation used the Fulton High School as their place of meeting during the time the repairs were being made.

The 1926 budget, adopted in November, 1925, totaled $7,200.00 with the local expenses set at $5,000.00 and Missions and Benevolence at $2,200.00.

Brother Gordon Gretter was licensed to preach the gospel of Christ by vote of the church on December 30, 1925. Reverend Gretter had received help toward his education at LaGrange College, LaGrange, Missouri, and the following summer was granted additional help to go to school at Southwest Baptist College, Bolivar, Missouri.

In February, 1927 the number of deacons in the church was changed from twelve to fifteen.

The "Solomon P. Gilbert Pastor’s Salary Fund" of $2,000.00 was reported in the April 13, 1927 minutes and the interest from the fund each year is to be used for the support and maintenance of the pastor’s salary.

In July, 1927, Dr. Martin Yates, who had served as treasurer since 1894, resigned because of failing health. Dr. Yates was asked to continue as treasurer of the Current Fund and the Charity Fund. Brother George E. Tutt was elected treasurer of the Missions and Benevolence Fund to relieve Dr. Yates of a part of the work in handling all the money of the church. In May, 1930 Dr. Yates’ health was such that he resigned a second time. This resignation was accepted and a vote of thanks was extended to him.

The church was saddened by the death of E. W. Dunavant, faithful member and deacon, and an expression of deep respect is given in resolutions spread on the records of the church for June 23, 1929.

On October 18, 1929 the church closed a week of services celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the organization of Baptists in Fulton, Missouri. A short history of the 75 years was read by Senator N. T. Cave. This information was compiled by a committee of which Mrs. E. C. Henderson was the chairman. Acknowledgment is made for this material and the aid given in writing the present history, but since the present history is a more detailed work the records of the church have served for the presentation of this material.

The 1930 budget totaled $8,500.00 with local expenses taking $6,300.00 and $2,000.00 designated for Missions and Benevolence.

Judge David H. Harris, faithful member and deacon left an empty spot by death. Resolutions expressing the love and high esteem held for him by the church, are found in the January 7, 1931 records.

The first Vacation Bible School report found in the minutes was in July, 1931. Mrs. J. H. Emmons had directed the school earlier in the summer. This school had an enrollment of 100 including 29 faculty members and the average attendance of 80. The cost of the school was $113.87 and the money was provided from interest earned on the Gilbert Fund.

Troubled days, for the church, are recorded in the 1932-33 minutes. In January, 1932 the resignation of a deacon is tabled and the treasurer’s resignation is declined. In February, 1932 there was a motion before the church that all deacons resign. This motion was voted down. By May, 1932 the indebtedness at the Callaway Bank was $900.00 and the church was in arrears on the pastor’s salary to the amount of $125.00.

A highlight came in July, 1932 when the church licensed Brother D. W. Rutherford to preach the gospel of Christ Jesus.

The August report of the Vacation Bible School was encouraging because the enrollment was 124 but by this time none of the bank debt had been paid and the church was now behind $175.00 on the pastor’s salary.

Despite the troubled times never in its history had two men been dedicated to the ministry in one year in the church. On October 24, 1932 Brother Ovie Winscott was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in a very impressive service.

In December, 1932 the Current Fund Treasurer again resigned and this resignation was accepted and Brother J. R. Gorrell became the treasurer.

In the December meeting Dr. A. W. Tandy, pastor, requested that his salary be reduced $300.00 per year and this request was also accepted by the church.

Between February and May, 1933 two deacons and their families left the church and another declined to serve. The August report shows the debt at the bank was still $709.00 and $85.00 was unpaid on the pastor’s salary.

The Vacation Bible School report for August, 1933 lists a VBS Fund of $3,000.00 divided as follows: Judge Gilbert Fund--$2,000.00 and the Judge Harris Fund--$1,000.00.

The Sunday School report for August, 1933 gives an enrollment of 467 and an average attendance of 268.

Dr. A. W. Tandy presented his resignation on November 22, 1933 which the church accepted. His work closed on December 1, of the same year. He was paid the sum of $225.00 for vacation time and his unpaid salary was paid in full. On November 26th the church passed resolutions of commendation and appreciation for the faithful service of Dr. Tandy.

The Pulpit committee to select a new pastor was named in March, 1934. This committee recommended Reverend Cleates E. Hanan of Hannibal, Missouri, the following June. A unanimous call was extended to Reverend Hanan and the salary was set at $1,500.00 per year plus the parsonage. This call was accepted and the new pastor came to the church July 15, 1934.

The 1935 budget, adopted the previous October, totaled $5,200.00 of which $3,700.00 was for local expenses and $1,500.00 was for Missions and Benevolence.

The long and faithful service of Dr. Martin Yates ended with his death on April 1, 1935 and the church expressed its sorrow and respect in resolutions presented a month later and these became a part of the records.

A request was made in August, 1935 by the New Hope Baptist Church that the Fulton Church ordain Brother Robert Gibson. Brother Gibson was ordained on December 8, 1935 by the Fulton Church. The ordination council was composed of Reverend William Self, Guthrie, Moderator; Deacon E. R. Humphreys, clerk, and Reverend C. E. Hanan, examiner, both of Fulton. Reverend G. R. Timbrook of Centralia gave the charge to the church and Reverend B. E. Lett of Columbia gave the charge to the candidate. The ordination sermon was preached by the Reverend J. A. Bryson. Reverend Robert Gibson closed the ordination service in prayer.

On April 17, 1937 the deacons of the church recommended that a permanent building and improvement fund for large improvements and new buildings, be set up. This recommendation was adopted and it was agreed that the money would not be used for ordinary repairs.

In a motion presented in the April, 1937 business meeting, the church protested the sale of beer at the C. C. C. Camp in Fulton, Missouri. Letters expressing the feeling of the church were written to the had of the camp and to the Honorable Clarence Cannon, Representative in Congress.

July 7, 1937 the church voted to enter the Annuity Plan for the pastor as outlined by the Relief and Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Mr. W. C. Harris, valued member of the church, served on the board of the Relief and Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for many years.

The work of redecorating the auditorium was completed and the congregation sponsored a Rally Day on October 17, 1937. The Woman’s Missionary Society reported an enrollment of 79 and an average attendance for the preceding quarter of 40. The Training Union enrollment was 57 with the average attendance of 43. The Sunday School roll was 405 and the average attendance was 233 for the same period.

The 1938 budget was $4,553.00 for the Current Fund, which included the pastor’s salary at $2,000.00 per year. The Missions and Benevolent side of the budget was $2,145.00 making a total budget of $6,698.00. November 21, 1937 was ‘Loyalty Day’ and there were 369 pledges made to the Current Fund which was over subscribed by $12.16. There were 257 pledges made to the Mission and Benevolent Fund. These over subscribing the budget by $156.57. This is the first time on record that the church had over subscribed all items of the budget.

In November, 1938 the church constitution was amended and the monthly business meeting was dispensed with and quarterly business meetings began in January, 1939.

Through the years there is no record of a young people’s department in the Sunday School of the church, but a committee was appointed on November 9, 1938 to work out plans looking to the establishing of such a department. On January 10, 1940 a motion was passed to organize a young people’s department in the Sunday School. Since there was no room for this department to assemble it met with the adult department each Sunday until November 21, 1954.

The church in December, 1938 compiled a list of the officers of the church and the general officers of all organizations and a complete roll of the membership. These items were given to the proper authorities to be placed in the corner stone of the new Callaway County Court House erected on the square in the city of Fulton.

Reverend C. E. Hanan presented his resignation as pastor of the church on December 31, 1939. This was to become effective January 15, 1940. Action on the resignation of the pastor was deferred until January 3rd. The minutes of the special meeting of January 3 includes the acceptance of the resignation and a copy of a letter written to Reverend Hanan expressing sorrow because of his leaving and love for him and his family. Reverend and Mrs. Hanan placed their letters in the Wetzel Memorial Baptist Church, Kirkwood, Missouri, where he became pastor later the same month.

The Pulpit Committee, which was elected in January, 1940, recommended Reverend J. Robert Steers on May 8th and he received a unanimous call. Reverend and Mrs. J. Robert Steers and daughter, Barbara, came to the church on the first Sunday in June bringing their letters from the Van Buren Baptist Church of Louisville, Kentucky.

On August 21, 1940 Brother Charles DeLoyd Self was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ. Reverend Self moved to Hannibal in September to enter Hannibal-LaGrange College to begin preparation for the ministry. He was later ordained by the Fifth Street Baptist Church of Hannibal, Missouri.

The salary of Reverend J. Robert Steers was placed at $2,100.00 by a motion passed on October 1, 1941. This salary was to be retroactive to January 1, 1941.

Brother Glenn Irons was licensed to preach the gospel on October 1, 1941. Like Reverend Self, Reverend Irons also moved to Hannibal, Missouri, and began preparation for the ministry in Hannibal-LaGrange College.

On April 1, 1942 a committee was appointed to study the constitution of the church and suggest amendments to the rules of order and other important matters. Brother J. H. Emmons was chairman of this committee and after much study he came to the church in November, 1942 with the suggested amendments and rules of procedure. These were adopted on motion by the church. The deacons had been elected for terms of three years, a certain number being elected each year. Now, however, they could not succeed themselves in office and the rotating deacon board system was established.

Reverend J. Robert Steers enlisted as a chaplain in the United States Army and resigned from the church and his resignation was accepted on February 14, 1943. Resolutions spread in the records give testimony of the esteem with which he was held by the church.

The Pulpit Committee elected in February presented the name of former pastor Reverend James A Taylor of Brookhaven, Mississippi, to supply until a pastor could be called. This was accepted by the church. The committee presented the name of Reverend C. E. Hanan for pastor on June 9, 1943. On June 16 a motion accepting the report of the Pulpit Committee was passed and Reverend Hanan accepted the call and began his work in July, 1943.

The 1944 budget lists local expenses as $6,208.00 including the pastor’s salary of $2,700.00. The Mission and Benevolence item was $2,860.00 making a total budget of $9,068.15. The W.M.U. enrollment was 101 with an average attendance of 59. Sunday School enrollment was 460 with an average attendance of 240. The B.T.U. had 75 on the roll with an average attendance of 35.

The June, 1944 Vacation Bible School enrolled 167 and had an average attendance of 143.

A motion on record under date of December 13, 1944 showed that the church followed with interest the work of Miss Frances Black for $100.00 was sent to help her in the mission work in Juneau, Alaska.

By April 18, 1943 the total membership was 797 and the pastor’s s alary was $3,000.00.

On July 11, 1945 the church voted to have a paid secretary to take care of the finances. Miss Martha Lutz was hired on August 1st at a salary of $20.00 per month.

The first mention of a men’s chorus is made when $2.00 per week is voted the choir director for directing the chorus. This motion passed March 20, 1945. This chorus has been faithful through the years.

The church voted on October 2, 1946 to adopt the Church Budget Plan and send each family the state Baptist paper, The Word and Way, for one year beginning January 1, 1947. This plan has continued since and is a great help in keeping the membership informed about the matters that concern the denomination.

The first mention of a Brotherhood was July 2, 1947 when one was organized and N. Lee. Dunham was elected president.

In January, 1948 an organ fund was established looking to the replacing of the pipe organ. In October, 1950 a committee was appointed to investigate the purchase of a new organ and in March, 1951 the committee recommended that a Baldwin Electronic Organ be installed for a trial demonstration. In April the Baldwin Electronic Organ and chimes was purchased at a cost of approximately $3,500.00. This was paid for from the Wilda Wells Bequest Fund. The organ was dedicated as a memorial to Wilda Wells.

The March 31, 1948 Sunday School enrollment was 661 and the average attendance for the quarter was 353. The July 7 Vacation Bible School enrollment was 187 with an average attendance of 167.

The Building Fund totaled only $2,550.93 on September 30, 1944 but the Sunday School continued to grow and the need for new space became more apparent. On December 7, 1949 the deacons recommended that the church appoint a committee of twenty composed of fourteen men and six women on January 7, 1950. This committee, with Francis Roots as chairman, was divided into four sub-committees with N. Lee Dunham chairman of plans, John Yates chairman of finance, Jewett Franklin chairman of construction and John Parks chairman of equipment. On May 13, 1951 in a special meeting the church authorized Bonsack and Pearce, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri, to draw sketches, plans and specifications. A maximum of $4,000.00 was authorized for completed blueprints. The plans committee was charged with the responsibility of the proper plans.

New interest developed and plans were presented for the building and the pastor reported $46,000.00 in the building fund on January 7, 1953.

When plans were completed a drive was started for pledges for the new building. A kick-off dinner on November 18, 1953 started a drive to secure 100 week pledges totaling $65,000.00. When the drive was completed in a week’s time a total of $72,000.00 had been pledged and the case in the building fund when the pledges were made was now approximately $60,000.00.

The church voted to let the contract for the new building on December 13, 1953. The J. E. Hatham Construction Company of Columbia, Missouri, was the builder. After zoning problems were cleared with the city council, work on the fireproof structure proceeded in an orderly fashion with Mr. John Huggett of Fulton supervising the construction.

All committees worked faithfully with the equipment committee being the last to have a tour of duty. Approximately $3,000.00 worth of new equipment has been purchased.

The building was first used on November 21, 1954. The Sunday School attendance was 468. The B.T.U. used the building the first time November 21st.

The total cost of building and equipment is approximately $130,000.00 and it is believed that when the pledges for the first 50 weeks if 1955 are paid the building will be free of debt.

Evangelism has been the primary purpose of the church and in November, 1950 Reverend Harry McKnight of Kansas City, Missouri, began a revival by preaching on Sunday night and directing a visitation drive during the first week, preaching again the following Sunday morning and on through the second week. This is the church’s greatest revival with a total of 83 coming into the church, 52 by baptism, 20 by letter and 11 by statement.

The church broadcast its services on the air for the first time in November, 1950. Radio Station KFAL of Fulton granted free time for this service and the church acknowledges its debt to the station for this, another means of sending the message of Christ to the unsaved.

In the summer of 1952 the church sponsored a tent revival at Reform, Missouri. Out of this effort came a mission serving as an arm of the Fulton Church in Reform. The mission became the Reform Baptist Church during the summer of 1953. On December 2, 1953 the Fulton Church voted to supplement the salary of the Reform Church pastor $30.00 per month through the year 1954. This is the only church growing out of the Fulton Church in the 100 years except the Colored Baptist Church which was organized in 1866.

The church as had two youth weeks in its history, the first beginning on April 6, 1953 with Irvin Rice as youth pastor and the second beginning on April 4, 1954 with Cecil Dunham as youth pastor.

Brother Irvin Rice was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ by vote of the church on November 18, 1953. Reverend Rice is attending college, serving as part time secretary to Reverend C. E. Hanan of the Fulton Church and is pastor of Dry Fork Baptist Church, Callaway County, which has half-time preaching. On October 17, 1954 the Dry Fork Church requested the Fulton Church to make necessary preparations to ordain Brother Rice. The church voted November 24th to ordain him early in 1955.

The week of November 28 to December 5, 1954 is being celebrated as Centennial Week with Reverend Hanan bring the message on November 28th and five ministers who have been licensed or ordained by the church bringing messages each night except Saturday. They are Reverend Ovie Winscott, St. Louis; Reverend Glenn Irons, Booneville; Reverend Loyd Self, Coffeyville, Kansas; Reverend Robert Black, Fulton, and Reverend Robert Gibson, Centralia. Reverend Dr. Earl Harding, Executive Secretary, Missouri Baptist General Association, will preach the centennial sermon on Sunday morning, December 5th and also give the dedication message for the new building in the afternoon. The week of celebration will close with a service of Christmas music by the youth choir directed by Mrs. E. L. Scott on Sunday evening.

The chairman of the centennial committee feels that this history would not be complete without a tribute to the oldest living member of the church. Deacon W. C. Harris became a member of the church in 1873 when the church worshipped in the building on East 5th Street. Reverend H. M. Richardson was pastor of the church at that time. Brother Harris has served in almost every office in the church. He has served as teacher of the Amoma Class in Sunday School for 43 years. We are sure that there are few churches that can boast a member whose period of service extends to more than four score years.

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