The First Baptist Church of Red Oak was the first church un the little village of Red Oak. It was organized August 31, 1856 and thus lacks only three years of reaching the century mark. The church was founded by people of Baptist conviction, who as they migrated westward felt the need of a place to worship. Before a meeting house could be built the members of the newly formed church held meetings in homes, in groves or on the shady side of a settler's cabin.

After the platting of Red Oak in 1857, a building site was donated and plans for erecting a building were made. This modest little church edifice was outgrown in a few years. On January 8, 1888 a new place of worship was formally dedicated. The church served the Baptist people for a period of 40 years.

Its outreach during this period extended beyond our own community in the dedication of the Rev. Fred Haggard and the Rev. James Latimer to foreign missionary service. With the development of new methods of religious education this church was becoming inadequate to meet the changing needs.

On May 13, 1928 ground breaking services were held and dedication services held during the week of April 28 - May 5, 1929. To further enhance the service of music a Hammond Electric organ was dedicated March 14, 1948 with memorial chimes dedicated April 20, 1952. After nearly a quarter century extensive improvements have been made in remodeling the sanctuary and this was dedicated Feb. 10, 1952.

Source: Red Oak Church Histories from "Cavalcade of a Century"; 1853-1953
Presented by Montgomery County Centennial Corporation,
Compiled by Business and Professional Women's Club Red Oak
Contributed by Dixie A. Laire