Church Website"Sometime in 1900, a young Murphy housewife became convinced of the need for a Baptist church in Murphy. In a meeting in her living room, Mrs. Mae Cockrell and some friends, along with G. W. McCall, pastor of FBC, Plano, and Bob Coleman, publisher of the Plano Star Courier, organized a Baptist church.
On September 4, 1900, the church entered the Collin Baptist Association with a total membership of 34.
On August 29, 1900, ½ acre on FM 544, our previous location, was deeded to the Baptist church in Murphy by Louisa Brown for a building site.
The building erected on the site consisted of one large rectangular shaped room. The sanctuary of this building is the original large room built in 1900. During the period from 1920-1930, the church enjoyed its largest membership. The membership numbering 296 in 1921 was the largest ever recorded at the church. The need for more space was evident, so in about 1924, the present wings were added to the main sanctuary to relieve the crowded conditions. Bert George, a Murphy carpenter, did the construction work at a total cost of $5,000.
For many years, the church was a half-time church with services usually held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, alternating with the Methodist church, whose services were on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. In 1948, the church became a full-time church.
Early in 1956, under Pastor Tom Ritzinger, the congregation began to realize the need for a modern plant with adequate educational space. Later that year, the church adopted plans for constructing and financing an education addition. Edgar Boyd, a former member, was hired as contractor. Completed and ready for occupancy in September, 1958, the new additional provided a baptistery, kitchen, restrooms, a pastor’s study and additional Sunday School rooms.
This building has served as a training ground for many throughout its history. From its membership, at least 6 young men have become faithful ministers of the Gospel and one young lady served as a foreign missionary for many years.
On May 14, 1979, the building, long known as Murphy Baptist Church, became First Baptist Church of Murphy. This change came about when a majority of members of Murphy Baptist Church voted to build a new church on South Murphy Road. Not desiring to move to the new church, a group of 37 members, along with Rev. Milton Greer, reorganized as First Baptist Church of Murphy. These members met each Sunday at the Community Center in Murphy until the building was vacated. On Sunday, October 7, 1979, they returned to the building and called John Max Cox as pastor.
Although many attempts were made over the years, the church was unsuccessful in buying surrounding land for expansion. Through a series of events that could only have been orchestrated by God, the church was able to obtain clear title to its property and sell it for almost the exact amount needed to purchase our new property at Murphy Road and McMillen. We were blessed to be able to move our building, and through the supervision of General Contractor Don Hampton, our new facility is fully updated and better than ever! Our new home provides a beautiful setting for outdoor activities and plenty of room to grow."