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The First Baptist Church of Rusk traces its history to 1853, when a small group of worshippers led by the Rev. John C. Woolam met in the home of Mrs. Nan C. Trimble to organize a congregation. Early worship services were held in a Union Church shared with the local Presbyterian congregation. Located on Barron Street on land donated by Mrs. Joseph L. Hogg, the building housed the Baptist fellowship for almost forty years. In 1890 property was purchased on Fourth Street and two years later, under the leadership of the Rev. J. H. Thorn, a new sanctuary was erected. Also during Thorn's pastorate, this congregation was merged with that of the New Birmingham Baptist Church. The 1892 one-room church structure was moved to this site in 1910. A building fund begun in 1918 enabled the church members to replace the small sanctuary with a three-storey building in the early 1920s. Later building programs enlarged church facilities over the years. Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church has maintained an involvement in local and foreign missionary activities. It continues to be a vital part of the City of Rusk. |
