This church has a rich history going back to the early 19th century. A group of people started meeting in homes and schools in 1809 (the town would not be incorporated for another 2 years). By 1825 the church was being called the "Free Will Baptists". A small church building was constructed 2.5 miles east of the village in 1841. By 1849 the church was renamed the "Free Baptist Church" (see picture at right). A large church building was constructed in the village in 1866, which is where the church still meets (for over 145 years!). By the early 20th century, the church became known as the "Federated Church", which included the Baptists and the Congregationalists. The church ended the federation by 1940 and became known as the "Garland Baptist Community Church". By 1943, the church was being referred to by the present name of "Garland Community Baptist Church".
Since the church began, there have been over 40 pastors, a re-dedication in the early 1940's and a fire in the early 1950's.
A parsonage on the adjoining property was
willed to the Baptist Convention, and began
being occupied by pastors and their families
by the mid 1930's.
The church building in recent years was
moved off the old foundation, and after
blasting was done, a new foundation was
poured and the building re-set.
This has opened up space for a large kitchen,
fully functioning fellowship hall, a church office,
library and Sunday school rooms. An addition
on the back of the building has made room for
2 new bathrooms, as well as a foyer, new
stairway and handicap lift chair.
The church has been a presence and a lighthouse for generations in this community. During the past
2 centuries, there have been times of rejoicing and of suffering, times of triumph and of struggle.
Through it all, the church remains steadfast in the call of God to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
a hurting world.
(Information taken from: Garland Church History, "Sisters of Ruth", March, 2010)
HISTORY OF GARLAND COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH
