First Baptist Church Rankin

A group of people who followed Baptist beliefs met in Rankin in 1914 in the home of A. F. Schnaubert, who was Sheriff of Upton County at that time. A Baptist preacher by the name of Staten preached part time for a number of years. Later, the group began holding meetings in what was then known as the Community Church, and also school house, located on the corner of Halff Street and 8th Avenue.

Bro. Carson Taylor was called as the first full time pastor after the church organized on October 23, 1927. In February, 1930 the old Harris Luckett Hardware Store, south of the railroad was purchased for $300 to be used as the first permanent building of the First Baptist Church. Bro. Forster served as pastor until June, 1937 at which time Bro. E. R. Stiles was called to fill the pulpit. During this time the church's Junior Department held their meetings in a vacant service station.

In January 1928, a program was put before the church calling for a new church building or moving the old building to a new location and remodeling it. Shortly thereafter, an offer was made by the late Miss Maggie Taylor to trade her two lots two blocks west of the bank for the lots south of the new location at no cost to the church.

On March 20, 1938 it was decided by the church to carry out this program. Being a carpenter, Bro. Stiles was given full supervision of all work in remodeling the building which was to be done by the church membership; and next day the work was begun. It was estimated that this would cost approximately $400.

During the remodeling program a storm swept Rankin and blew the building off its new foundation. Despite this disheartening blow, the members' determination was not lost and with Mr. Wheeler's equipment and help from others, the building was put back on its foundation and work resumed. The finished building was 60 x 32 feet with six Sunday school rooms, a baptistry, and a secretary's office.

Bro. Stiles served as pastor until May, 1939. The following month, Bro. Wilson Akins was called and served until October, 1941. A. B. Lightfoot was the church's next pastor.

Bro. W. W. Nowlin followed Lightfoot in October 1942 and filled the pastorate from October, 1942 until December, 1943. In August, 1943, Bro. John Stout was called by the church and served until December, 1943. He was followed by Bro. Seth Hughes beginning in December, 1943. He pastored the church until 1944.

Bro. R. L. Herring accepted the call in March, 1945, serving until June, 1949. Bro. Warren Capps next served until 1951.

During this time a building fund was started and interest in a new church building was aroused. Preliminary plans for the present church were discussed and committees were appointed. In July, 1951, the total amount of the building fund was over the $7,000 figure.

Bro. R. L. Shannon came to the church in December 1951. The building program continued for the present church. On January 6, 1952, the church met for the ground breaking ceremony with Rev. A B. Lightfoot delivering the sermon. This new building served the needs until February, 1958 when the need for additional room space moved the congregation to add a new wing. H. Wheeler was appointed chairman of the finance committee. Working with him was C. G. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Horace West, Mrs. Gertude Smith, Mrs. Odessa Edwards and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Rains.

The new building was completed and final payment was made in October 1961. A burning of the note ceremony was held at that time and the First Baptist Church was debt free.

The old church building was donated to the Boy Scouts. It was torn down in about 1954 and a part of the lumber was used in the present Boy Scout Hut.

Later Pastors of the chuch include J. C. Tankersley, who served from 1968 until 1974. Rev. Ray Singleton came as pastor in 1975, Rev. Wes Massey served as pastor from October 1989 until 1994 and Rev. James W. Medley came in 1996 and is presently serving as pastor.

In March 1998, the church began construction on a new fellowship hall, kitchen and additional restrooms. Serving on the building committee were Chairman Wylie Grant, Tracy Clanton, Judy Greer, Roger Stafford and June Wilkes. Contractor for the constuction was Tommy Hawkins of Odessa. The fellowship hall addition was built debt free.

Submitted by .
Judy has a chronological list of members of the First Baptist Church- Rankin. Contact her for more information about membership from 1927 through today.