History
With an eye toward the future, history can serve as an inspiring foundation, reminding of who we are and where our roots begin. While we may argue that where we've been isn't as important as where we're going, where we've been is a measurement of how far we've come... and how valuable our goal truly is! So with hearts filled with gratitude toward those who blazed a trail for our Church to exist, we say "Thank You" for all their hard work, and we press on to see the vision carried forth. With hearts and minds committed to this task, we now present a brief history of our Church.
In the Fall of 1948 a small group of people with General Baptist sentiments and beliefs began praying about the possibility of a General Baptist Church in Chaffee. The decision was made to have "Cottage Prayer Meetings", to be held on Thursday evenings. Since those involved were members or attendees of other churches, they were encouraged to continue to be involved in these churches, until such time God would lead in other directions.
A number of General Baptist ministers and laity were very helpful in the beginning of this new adventure. Among those were Vernon Shell of Lutesville, Missouri; Arvil Huffman of White water, Missouri; Ernest Dopp, Pastor of the Arbor General Baptist Church; Dale Porter, Pastor of the Cape Girardeau General Baptist Church, and many, many others for whom we are indebted.
The first such prayer meeting was held Thursday night, October 28, 1948 in the home of Vyron and Dixie Yount, who lived on Nunn Roade. Arvil Huffman delivered the evening message. A second meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Roberts, and a third meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker. It was at this third meeting that the Chaffee General Baptist Church was truly organized.
A total of fourteen charter members signed on to
commit to the task of establishing the Church.
Those members were:
Marshal Yount
Massey Clubb
Oscar Fowler
Minnie Roberts
Alonzo Roberts
Vyron Yount
Charely Baker
Joy Baker
Ada Sadler
Monroe Sadler
Louise Shell
Bob Shell
A total of seven Ministers and one Deacon were in attendance for that organizational meeting, in which the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant were read. Rev. Earnest Dopp moderated, and Rev. Arvil Huffman prayed a prayer of consecration.
In October of 1949, the Church was accepted into the Old Liberty Association of General Baptists. Charely Baker and J.A. Adams were ordained to serve as the Church's first Deacons.The Church would eventually join the SEMO Association of General Baptists in July of 1958.