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.
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.
Original 1912 Build
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1923 Addition
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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 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.
Current Building
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Activities Building
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In June 1995, Dr. Cleve Kerby of Bishop, Texas, was called to lead the congregation. With Bro. Cleve’s leadership, the Educational Department of the church has offered many Bible Study and Discipleship Training classes. The Activity Center was paid off in 2000. In 2001, a new heating and air conditioning system was installed at a cost of $110,676. With some very generous donations, a new organ was purchased in 2002. Renovation of the auditorium and foyer began in 2008. Renovations included reconstruction of the altar, walls, and bathrooms. The redesigned auditorium was equipped with new carpet, paint, pew cushions, projection screens, music/video equipment, and a portable baptistery. A new roof was also installed on the building. The cost totaled $350,000. The dedication was held on June 28, 2009. God’s blessings were abundant and the renovation note was repaid in January 2011. Rev. Kerby retired in July 2018.
At year’s end of 2018, Ben Hollan was called to pastor the congregation. Ben resigned in July 2021, and Dr. D.L. Lowrie served as Interim Pastor until June of 2023 when the church called Darren Weaver as her next pastor. God has blessed First Baptist Church of Slaton throughout its history with outstanding leadership and loving members. So the story continues…