Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

History is defined as the branch of knowledge dealing with past events, and record of past events as it relates to a particular people, country or period.

Even though this record does not give the complete past events, an attempt is made to show the development and growth of the church from 1903 to present.

There was little recorded about the church when it was organized somewhere between 1900 and 1903.  It was recalled that between 1903 and 1906 the church burned and that from the ashes two churches emerged. These churches were Pilgrim Rest and Iron Wheel.

During this period both churches began looking for a permanent location.  Iron Wheel pulled out and moved across town.  The late Rev. W.H. Holland was the pastor of Pilgrim Rest at this time.  A committee was sent out to select a location for Pilgrim Rest.  The committee selected the old location where the first church burned, purchased more land and rebuilt the church in 1917.  The location of where to build the church brought about a spilt in the church.  Part of the members left and organized what is now the New Zion Temple of Deliverance.

In 1918 under the leadership of the late Rev. Tim Rhodes, the church was built on a spot of ground that the field notes showed the deeds were recorded in 1906. The church was built by a member, Bro. Lim Hohnson. Little was recorded about the church, and it progress between 1919-1921.

In 1921, the late Rev. Joe James called as pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Under this leadership the membership was taught to aim high.  The old building was torn down and the lumber used to build the first brick church for Negroes in Lufkin.  The church was completed in 1926. The pastor and member were so proud of this church that they decided to change the name from Pilgrim Rest to First Baptist Church. Rev. Joe James served until 1927.

In 1927 the late Rev. T.M. Chambers was called to pastor First Baptist Church. Under this administration, the utmost thing in the mind of the members was to pay for the church.  Rev. Chambers served until 1933.

Another chapter in the history of First Baptist Church began by calling Rev. B.R. Riley in 1933. The church never loss faith or give up hope in their commitment to pay for the church. The late Rev. B.R. Riley served five years.

In 1938 the late Rev. J.D. Stewart was called to pastor First Baptist Church. The church began to grow and take on new life. The membership began to increase, choirs organized and fellowship among the members improved. Rev. Stewart served until 1943.

In 1944 the late Rev. Roy Allen was called to pastor First Baptist Church. Under Rev. Allen, the church became a full-time church, holding service each Sunday instead of every other Sunday.  The church went on the air with a musical program each Sunday evening on KTRE television. The church continued to grow with the organization of the Young Matrons Mission Circle.  Rev. Allen served until 1950.

In 1950 the late Rev. L.A. Jones was called to pastor First Baptist Church.  Under this administration the basement was changed into a cafeteria and fellowship hall.  The first Nursery School and Day Care for Negro children established.  The church continued to grow spiritually, financially and in numbers. Many souls were added under this leadership.  Rev. Jones served until 1953.

In 1953 the late Rev. M.S. Houston was called to pastor First Baptist Church. Under this administration the church continued to move forward.  The front entrance to the church was changed and stair steps were added to enter the church from the outside.  The Women’s Mission Circles began to grow.  The Mary and Happy Hour Circles were added, and the Youth Choir was organized.  Rev. Houston served until 1961.

On May 2, 1961, the late Rev. J.D. Reed was called to the pastorage of First Baptist Church.  One of his first statement to the church was, (quote) “I want to help you build, not only a new building, but better character, better lives and better surrounding. You have been through enough” (unquote). Under this administration the word “Missionary” was added to change the name of the church to “Colored” from our bank statement which was the distinction between the “white” First Baptist Church and our church. The church continue to grow.  The Sunday School was organized on a departmental basis. The choir took on new life in 1964 with a new musician and a choir director.  Activities of the church included: Week of Prayer, Daily Vacation Bible School and Annual Usher Day.  In July 1967 a lot was purchased to provide more parking space.  Rev. Reed served until 1971.

On November 29, 1971, the late Rev. J.D. Simmons was called to pastor The First Missionary Baptist Church.  He was not only a great preacher, teacher and leader, but a great songster.  Rev Simmons preached and taught humbleness, prayer, love, devotion, fellowship and respecting and accepting leadership. This was the beginning of a new day for The First Missionary Baptist Church. Along with Rev. Simmons came his wife, a dynamic, devout musician dedicated to her calling.  Under this administration the membership began to grow and has continued. The Angel, the Youth and the Inspirational Choirs were organized, Sunday School was reorganization and Weekly Teacher’s meeting, and a church Calendar of Events was set-up, the church also purchased property for more parking space. Under Rev. Simmons Bro. C.L. Richard was ordained as a minister, and Bro. Elmo Scott, Bro. John Hardin and Bro. Lavell Smith were added to the Deacon Board. On June 22, 1979, the church purchased the Leach property and in August 1979 the Trustees began meeting and discussing plans for the new church. In May 1980 the church selected the sketch for the new church building and on October 8, 1981, the contract for the building was signed. On November 3, 1981, the equipment was moved in and preparation for the foundation started. On November 22, 1981, ground breaking services were held and on August 22, 1982 a dedication ceremony was held for the beautiful sanctuary for which we worship in today. Rev. Simmons continued to lead and guide the church. There were five choirs organized which were Inspiration Choir, Youth Choir, Male Chorus, Youth Male Chorus, and Mission Chorus. The 3^rd Sundays of each month was designated as Youth In Action. The goal was to encourage youth to participated in worship and praise service.  A Youth Drill Team was also organized which was also a big encourage for the youth. He had six sons “birthed” in ministry under his leadership: late Rev. C.L. Richard, Rev. Billy Gardner, late Rev. Archie Adams, Rev. Julius Cox, Rev. Webster West, and Rev. Arthur McCoy.  Rev. Simmons had a vision to build a Family Life Center; however, in 1999, he became ill and couldn’t bring it to fruition.  Although his health began to fail, Rev. Simmons continued to preach and serve until a few weeks before God called him home in 2000.

After the death of Rev. Simmons, the late Rev. Archie Adams one of his sons in the ministry, served as interim Pastor.  Rev. Adams and his family were a blessing to the church with their dedication and devotion to continuing God’s work.  His humble spirit and willingness to serve during the church grieving period kept the church together.  Rev. Adams served until the Lord Blessed us with a new Pastor.

On November 20, 2000, Rev. W.R. Ricks was called to pastor First Missionary Baptist Church along with his family.  Rev. Ricks is an awesome man of God and an extraordinary pastor. Rev. Ricks has continued a Weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meeting for adults and youth, purchased two new vans, organized the Publicity Committee, Support Team for new members, Audio/Video ministry. Under Rev. Ricks leadership the complete Sanctuary, classrooms, offices, and bathrooms were upgraded.  New installation of laminated flooring, carpet, painting of all walls and ceilings, and new stain on all pews was completed.  A large cross over the Baptism Pool, new PA system, office equipment, Marquee sign in front of the church, new piano and drums, parking lot completely re-done with new stripes, construction of new storage building. He continues to oversee other advancements to enhance the church facility as well as the body of Christ. During the Pastoral Observations, Rev. Ricks continue to keep the membership informed on those who are sick and shut-in, bereavements and upcoming city and local events.  His continued love, devotion and a heart for the people which provided a gateway for the growth of the church with the development of new ministries. Under this leadership he has eight sons in the ministry: Rev. David Avant, Rev. Napoleon Shaw, late Rev. Elton Foster, Rev. Archie Tinsley, Rev. Michael Zachary, Rev. Don Jackson, Rev. Elode Joseph and Rev. Brian Bass. Rev. Ricks is the President of East Texas #2 District Congress of Christian Education and a member of the Ministers Alliance. His leadership has guided the church in various community partnerships and being more visible and active in community service.  FMBC are partners with the community for Pray in the Park that is held every Saturday morning at 7a.m., the Junior League of Lufkin in their annual Back-to-School Bonanza, Councilwoman Bonner in hosting Neighbor-to-Neighbor community meetings, Neighborhood Strong, and active in Nursing Home Ministry.  Other community activities include support of Mosaic Center, Hospice in the Pines, Juneteenth celebration, and organized teams for Relay for Life and Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.

Rev Ricks has led and continues to lead First Missionary Baptist Church with his teaching, preaching, but more so by his living.  He is a true man of God with a heart for people and for assuring that God’s people are equipped with biblical knowledge for life challenges.