History of Slaton’s First Baptist Church, Established 1911

Influenced by the New Testament Spirit of evangelism, Rev. Thomas, missionary of the Brownfield Baptist Association, came to Slaton soon after its establishment on June 15, 1911, to conduct a revival and organize a church. The meeting was a success to the extent that a Baptist Church was organized with six charter members in July 1911. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. C.V. Young, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Higbee, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Dickey.

Rev. J.R. Balch of Tahoka was called as a part-time pastor, serving one week each month. Soon, Sunday School was at 10 a.m. every Sunday, with preaching services the first and third Sunday of each month. By the end of the year, the church had grown to forty members.  In 1912, Rev. Balch resigned at Tahoka and became full-time at Slaton. The first house of worship was erected in 1912, at the corner of Tenth and Division Streets.

The following men served the church as pastor between 1911 and 1921: Rev. J.R. Balch, Rev. James Lamkin, Rev. Ingall, Rev. Durham, Rev. F.A. Whitely, and Rev. J.H. McCaully.

In 1921, Rev. John P. Hardesty was called to pastor the growing congregation. The building was renovated several times and a balcony was added. In November 1922, the decision was made to move the building to its current location. The congregation continued to increase rapidly and in 1923, a new stucco building was built. Rev. Hardesty resigned in 1926.

On March 9, 1949, the church called Rev. J.T. Bolding. A new Educational Building was started in March of 1951, at a cost of $100,000 as was paid off in November 1952. A new auditorium, with a 700 person seating capacity, was erected beginning March 18, 1956, at a cost of $162,000. It was dedicated to the Lord January 6, 1957. Rev. Bolding resigned in September of 1956.October 21, 1956, Rev. Ted Gaze was called and served until March of 1961. Dr. Charles Wood followed in service from July 1961 until March 30, 1965.

October 21, 1956, Rev. Ted Gaze was called and served until March of 1961. Dr. Charles Wood followed in service from July 1961 until March 30, 1965.

In July of 1965, the church called Rev. J.L. Cartrite as pastor. That same year, a new parsonage at 1510 West Crosby Street was purchased and the old Lubbock Street parsonage was sold.  In 1966, First Baptist Church of Slaton assisted the Mexican Baptist Church in acquiring the building formerly occupied by the First Christian Church. In June 1968, the Education Building was expanded at a cost of $150,000. The old 1923 stucco building was torn down to make way for the addition. Rev. J.L. Cartrite resigned July 1, 1977.

In August 1977, Rev. Robert Moore was called. The auditorium was renovated and a new heating system and roof were installed. A Baldwin organ was also purchased at a cost of $100,000. It was paid off in 1986. A new Activities Center was started in July of 1988, and completed in December 1988 at a cost of $172,000. Rev. Moore resigned September 1994 and Gene Hawkins served as Interim Pastor until June of 1995.