In 1948, when Kennedale was a small community, a small group regularly gathered together on Crestview street in the living room of the home of the Uselton family.
In February 1949, the small group/congregation adopted the name, “Bible Baptist,” and moved their meetings to a rented red brick building on the Mansfield Highway. Brother Melvin Garner was called as the first pastor on March 10, 1949.
On May 18, 1949 services were moved to Mrs. Stewart’s garage on Bowman Springs Rd. Brother F.C. Lasater became pastor July 23, 1950. An old barracks building was bought by the church for Sunday school classes in April 1952 at 209 W. Third St., Kennedale, Texas. A smaller building served as the auditorium. During the first five years, four ministers served as pastor: Melvin Garner, F.C. Lasater, W.P. Hibbs, and Buford Finch.
In July, 1954, H.M. Corey was called to be pastor. He served from 1954 to April 2, 1989 – thirty-five years – During that time the church building was remodeled and rebuilt several times. First addition to the church was made in June 1957. In January, 1959 the church bought the second piece of land behind the church. In December 1962, the old barracks building was torn down and hauled off. The land was fully paid for in 1966 and in January, 1975 and additional 35 feet was added to the auditorium. A new large auditorium was built in June 1986. The name, for signage purposes only, was changed to the 1st Bible Baptist Church of Kennedale. Actual legal name of the church is still First Bible Baptist Church.
Brother Corey retired April 2, 1989 and Bro. James Vinson was called to be pastor. He resigned January 1, 1991 due to illness. The church called Bro. John Boyd, the long-time youth department director, to be the pastor on March 6, 1991.
The church has operated debt and mortgage-free since paying off the first land purchase in 1966. A broad missionary program has always been a major part of the church activities. At present twenty-eight missionaries are supported covering, Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Several members and former young people, under the leadership of Bro. & Sister Boyd, have gone into the ministry and/or to the mission fields. Others have become lawyers, a doctor, a judge and college professors.
John C. Boyd is the current pastor. Three families of the early congregation are still regular members of the church.
The church maintains bible based services and activities and our doors are open to everyone.
Written by: Mrs. Georgie Ruth Bond
