FBC Mart History

History

For more than 140 years, First Baptist Church Mart has been loving and serving God. Our mission has remained the same: Loving God, Loving People, Growing Disciples.

When only ten families lived in the area that would later become Mart, those early settlers felt the need to gather together for worship. In January 1878, the first sermon was preached in the home of Albert Breland by Reverend C. C. Hardwick.

According to church records, Reverend Hardwick preached from Mark 1:3:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”
He reminded those gathered that they were in the wilderness and that their first responsibility was to prepare a place where people could worship God.

On April 28, 1878, eighteen Baptists led by Reverend Thomas D. Suttle met under a large elm tree at what is now the site of the Mart Cemetery to officially organize the first church in what would become the city of Mart. Near that tree, the first church building was constructed, which also served as the area’s first schoolhouse.

The congregation later moved in 1883 and again in 1906 to its present location. Over the years, the buildings have been renovated many times as the church has continued to grow and serve the community.

In 1978, two historical markers were placed to honor this history—one under the tree where the church was organized and another at the location where the church has gathered since 1906.

_______________________________________________________

Historic image of First Baptist Church in Mart TX

Impacting a New Community

As the church continued to grow, new ministries were established to help reach and serve the community.

In October 1885, Sunday School was organized for members of the church. Just a few years later, in 1887, a group of women formed a local chapter of what would become the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). Their purpose was to support the church’s mission of sharing the gospel both at home and around the world, while also serving others through acts of kindness and ministry.

By 1906, additional mission and discipleship groups had been organized, including:

Young Women’s Auxiliary (YWA)
Girls’ Auxiliary (GA)
Royal Ambassadors (RA)
Sunbeam Band

Throughout its history, First Baptist Church Mart has had a strong heart for missions. Over the years, the church has reached out to the community through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, youth and children’s ministries, and Wednesday night activities.

Growing Today

First Baptist Church Mart continues to grow and respond to the changing needs of our community. As our world changes and new challenges arise, we remain committed to our faith and the truth of God’s Word.

Even in a rapidly changing culture, God’s Word remains our foundation. As it says in Acts 4:12:

“…there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Today, we continue the mission that began many years ago—sharing the love of Jesus Christ, serving our community, and helping people grow in their faith.