| The Rosharon area was settled
before the Civil War by cotton and sugar planters. In the latter 1800's, the community was known as "Buttermilk Station".
An early resident used to bring a bucket of buttermilk to the Columbia Tap
Railroad's Masterson Station to treat the crew. The town was later called
"Rose of Sharon", named after a nearby ranch which got its name from the
Cherokee roses growing in the area. Later, the name was shortened to
"Rosharon".
In 1930, a group of Christians began worshipping in Rosharon's one-room school house, and in 1935, a non-denominational church was organized. Rev. David F. Boston, in 1937, worked to establish a Baptist church. Two lots were donated by H.M. Spoor, Fred Fields, and C.B. Pardonner, and an abandoned Honky-Tonk was purchased and remodeled. FBCR was organized with 43 charter members on July 13, 1941. The first pastor was Rev. Milton W. Bailey.
In 1948, a 25'x67' Army surplus building was purchased for $1,100, during Rev. Edward B. Holloway's leadership, as an addition to the original church building. On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, the new church chapel was dedicated.
In 1958, the church began building the present church on FM 1462 & Second Street, at a cost of $50,000. The new church was dedicated on April 12, 1959, Rev. Don K. Larkin officiating.
By the early 1960's, unincorporated Rosharon was home to about 300 residents and 12 businesses, and FBCR's membership was about 200. The new parsonage, located on Second Street, had it's open house on April 17, 1966. By July, 1966, membership at FBCR had increased to 280 members. In the early 1970's, the church steeple was hit by lightning and it was decided that the steeple should not be reconstructed.
Construction began on the activity building "Fellowship Hall" (now known as the Family Life Center) in 1987 and was completed in 1993. The parsonage is seen in the background.
Renovation to the Sanctuary and Sunday School classrooms was completed in 2000.
Seven acres of adjoining land was purchased in 2002. Renovation to the existing facilities started in April, 2005, and dedication was held on January 22, 2006. A new Children's Building and Narthex were added, along with increasing the size of the Sanctuary, renovating the Family Life Center and classrooms, and adding additional parking space. To view photos of the construction, click HERE
Future plans include a new Sanctuary Building and an Education Center.
A List of Former Pastors
10-01-41 to 03-15-43
Milton W. Bailey
Pastor's
Photos
This & That Bro. Bailey was the first pastor to encourage members to improve their knowledge by perusing S.S. study course books. Bro. Pevoto provided regular transportation for the W.M.U. Bro. Holloway stressed "stewardship", "family altars", "tithing", and "cottage prayer" meetings as revival preparation and building. He became pastor at First Baptist Church in Beaverton, Oregon, after his tenure at FBCR. Bro. McTaggart organized the Brotherhood. Bro. Stephens held the first R.A. Organization and gave the Training Union new vim and vigor. After FBCR, he moved on to San Antonio, Texas. Bro. Larkin made youth activities a must, and initiated lots of church socials. After FBCR, he moved on to Colorado. Bro. Owens served at Sulphur Springs, New London, and South Park Baptist Church before coming to FBCR. After FBCR, he moved on to Bryan, Texas. Bro. Stone served at Trinity Baptist Church before being called to FBCR. ________________ First Baptist Church has had an amazing number of twins born into the church over the years. At least 12 sets of twins have been recorded. _________________ A few families of FBCR are related to the noted Confederate veteran, Walter W. Williams, the oldest veteran of the War Between the States. He passed away on December 19, 1959 at the age of 117. For more information on Gen. Walter Williams, Click HERE.
Since its founding in 1941, First Baptist Church Rosharon has been actively involved with the community - teaching S.S. classes at the Ramsey Prison Farm, sponsoring Boy & Girl Scout troops and other youth groups, supporting the Rosharon volunteer fire department, working with local charitable organizations, providing leadership for the Rosharon Civic Club, and getting involved in many other activities that benefit the community at large.
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