Smyer First Baptist Church is marking a century of faith and service, celebrating 100 years since its founding on April 25, 1926 when it was organized as First Missionary Baptist Church of Smyer.
In its earliest days, the congregation quickly established leadership, calling Brother J.T. Clinton as pastor in June 1926, followed by Brother Newell Clark later that October. Over the past century, the church has been led by 29 pastors, with Pastor Michael Walker currently serving the congregation.
The church’s growth has been reflected in both its ministries and its facilities. A Baptist Sunday School was organized in August 1929, and by May 1936, the first church building was dedicated.
Continued improvements followed, including the installation of electricity in 1939 and the addition of Sunday school space during World War II after receiving federal building approval in 1943. As the congregation expanded, so did its infrastructure. Plans for a parsonage were initiated in 1945, and by the late 1940s, the church had launched long-term efforts to address overcrowding. Additional property was purchased in 1957 to accommodate future growth, leading to the construction and dedication of a new auditorium in April 1960. A new parsonage was approved in 1964.
In the decades that followed, the church continued to evolve. A baptistry mural was completed in 1982, and the original parsonage was removed in 1999. At the turn of the 21st century, the church expanded its campus with the construction of an Activities Building, following discussions that began in 2000. In April 2001, the church was formally incorporated as First Baptist Church, Inc.
Community outreach has remained a central focus of the church’s mission. In 2017, it established a “Blessing Box,” offering nonperishable food items to individuals and families in need throughout the Smyer community. Continuing its commitment to serving others, the church later partnered with the South Plains Food Bank to host monthly food distributions, further expanding its efforts to address local needs.
More recently, the church completed a major sanctuary renovation in 2022, temporarily holding services in the Activities Building during construction and dedicating the new sanctuary in late 2023.
Recognizing the importance of youth engagement, the church launched its “Jesus and Me (J.A.M.)” program in 2024, offering Wednesday evening activities for children during the school year.
Throughout its 100-year history, Smyer First Baptist Church has served not only as a place of worship, but also as a hub for community life—hosting Vacation Bible Schools, back-to school events, weddings, and other gatherings that have brought generations together.
As the church celebrates its centennial, it reflects on a legacy of growth, service, and commitment to the Smyer community, while looking ahead to the years to come. Come celebrate the 100th year on April 26. Church service will begin at 11a.m. followed by a meal and reception in the Activities Building.