First Baptist Church of Hale Center

Hale City, one of the two settlements behind Hale Center, was platted in 1891 and failed within two years, when expected railroad service did not come and drought drove its people away; the survivors moved themselves and their buildings to the new site. The town that grew there was struck on June 2, 1965, by a tornado that destroyed the downtown, including twenty-nine businesses, city hall and the fire station. Five people died, sixty were injured and damage reached $8 million. By 1970 Hale Center had forty-three businesses again.

What the plaque says

First Baptist Church of Hale Center Organized religion in Hale County can be traced to 1883, when Methodist minister Horatio Graves and his family became the first permanent settlers of the area. Their home became a community gathering place, school, and union church. A post office was established under the name Epworth in 1884. A second community, Hale City, was established two miles away, and in 1893 the two settlements combined to form Hale Center. In 1891 twelve people gathered together to form Hale City Missionary Baptist Church. They called the Rev. I.B. Kimbrough as their first pastor. Early worship serviced were held in the Epworth and Hale City schoolhouses, and in 1893 the congregation moved to Hale Center. Services were held in the schoolhouse and in the Methodist church until the First Baptist sanctuary was completed in 1908. Continued growth over the years led to subsequent building programs. Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church has played an active role in its community. The congregation has consistently maintained an interest in both foreign and domestic missionary endeavors. It continues to serve the community with a variety of worship, educational, and outreach programs. (1991)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Nils Akeson — steps away
• Site of Epworth — 0.2 mi
• J. Frank Norfleet — 0.2 mi
• Ranching and Farming in Hale County — 1.1 mi