Strother Baptist

On the evening of the 21^st of September 1897 a small number gathered at the home of R. N. Simpson, seven miles southwest of Paris, Missouri to establish a mission to work in connection with Paris Baptist Church. Those present at that meeting were Rev. W. R. Painter, Rev. L. P. Smith, D. M. Simpson, W. J. Baker, R. N. Simpson and wife. The possibilities and probabilities of a church being organized at Strother at some future time were discussed, no one knowing what the outcome might be.

Preaching commenced on Friday night of that week at Strother. Failing to get the use of the school house, a tent was obtained in which to hold meetings.

Two weeks later a building lot was purchased and the church building commenced. Brother Smith was the life and soul of the enterprise, preaching at night, working on the building by day, visiting other churches to raise money and paying largely himself.

It was then decided to organize, others being added to the little band from time to time and the pastor and deacons of Long Branch Baptist Church responded to the call to act as council for the organization which was effected on the third Sunday in October. From that time the work went rapidly on the church and it was ready for dedication on the second Sunday in November. Rev. W. R. Painter preached the dedicatory sermon from the text, “Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the world.”