St. Clair County Missouri
Churches
St. Clair County Library files
Once used as the First Baptist Church, this building is now home to the St.
Clair County Historical Society.
May 2009 - submitted by Mary Zeiler.
Front view of the new building for First Baptist Church, Osceola. May 2009 -
submitted by Mary Zeiler
Side view of the new building for First Baptist Church, Osceola. May 2009 -
submitted by Mary Zeiler
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Osceola, Missouri
Early History from St. Clair County Library Files:
The First Baptist Church of Osceola was organized February 12, 1870. The
council consisted
of messengers from the Pleasant Grove, Coon Creek and
Olive Branch churches.
F.B. Freeman was moderator and John P. Lawton, clerk.
There were seven charter members. During the first month, the Olive Branch
church dissolved
and ten of its members joined the new Osceola church.
The first Pastor was Elder V. Burgas and the first clerk, E.E. Smith. Second
pastor was
Elder J.T. Metcalf who served until 1873. The next pastor was
Elder M.C. Blaine who
served one year.
During these years, the church worshipped in the courthouse, the Methodist
house,
then the Presbyterian and again in the courthouse. The church house
was erected in 1888
at a cost of $3,000.00.
Submitted by Mary Zeiler