History of the Murray
Baptist Church
The Baptist Church was organized in 1868 in the railroad warehouse which was the first structure erected within the limits of Murray. Their services were held monthly, and also a union Sunday school was organized. Among the early members of this church were P. W. Aller and wife; Allen T. Spence and wife; S. C.Messenger, wife, son, and daughter; David D. Ames and wife; Mason Martindale and wife; J. H., W. C, and Henry M. Martindale and their wives; Lemon Bennett and wife; Abraham Dye; Jane Root; Sarah M. King; and Rev. James Messenger and wife.
Among the pastors who served this church are Revs. James Messenger, I. M. Seay, Freeling Edwards, James (Uncle Jimmie) Smith, H. S. Cloud, F. M. Eldridge, Ladlam, Pratt and M. J. Sigler. Sunday School was held at ten o'clock and an early Sunday school leader was J. C. Calhoun.
The church building was erected in 1870 at a cost of about $500. It was truly a barn-like structure. The seats were straight-backed benches, the walls and ceiling covered with brown builder's paper held to the framework by long strips. The few coal oil lamps in wall brackets gave just enough light to prevent a man making the awful mistake of sitting down on the women's side or vice-versa. It was heated by sheet iron stoves. This building was used for about 23 years. A new building was erected at that time.
The membership decreased through the years and in 1957 the church was sold and became the Murray Bible Church. In 1972 the members voted to become the Murray Baptist Church and is associated with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
Source: History of Clarke County, Murray Centennial, Murray Church of Christ One-Hundredth Anniversary 1873-1973, Murray quasquicentennial 1868-1993:Where the past and present meet.
Graphics courtesy of: Christian Media