About Wilson Creek Baptist Church

The History of Wilson Creek Baptist Church

As recalled by – Mrs. Jack (Lucille) Gardner

Wilson Creek Baptist Church was organized May 20, 1928, at the Greenridge School House located about one mile south of Battlefield, MO, on the northeast corner of FR 190 and FF highway.

Starting of the Church

There was a family moved to Wilson Creek, MO from Iowa in 1926 or 27. Mr. and Mrs. Dave Scroggs and their small daughter. Cordie was Mrs. Scroggs name and later was called Granny Scroggs to all who knew her. They were very devoted Christians and of the Baptist faith. There wasn't a Baptist church any closer than Republic or Clever, MO.

Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs opened their home for church services. In the summer services would be in schoolhouses, brush arbors, etc. There were several people led to the Lord. The first pastor was Bro. Marvin A. Crocker. The first deacons were Baker Yocom and Ira Clifton. Bro. Crocker would ride the train down from Springfield, MO. His salary was $.18 train fair. He traveled once a month at first and later twice a month. On Monday morning he would ride back to town with Jack Gardner as Jack went to work.

In May 1928 the church was organized as a Missionary Baptist Church. It was named Green Valley Baptist Church and later Wilson Creek Baptist Church. The first church building burned in 1937. It was a small building with board seats and sawdust floors. Bro. Otis Malicoat served as the second pastor for only one year and Bro. Crocker came back to serve as pastor again. After the church burned, they went back to holding services in homes.

Several of the good men started to build another church building. They went around the country collecting money for the church. Some would give $.25 or $.50. If they got a dollar that was a great blessing to them. Bro. Ira Clifton donated the land where the church now stands. After this building was built the congregation got so large that they sold this church building and it was moved to 160 Hwy. East of Republic, MO for a grocery store.

Bro. Crocker resigned as pastor and Bro. Alvie Keith became the new pastor. The church was then changed to a Fundamental Baptist Church.

In the early 40's, while Bro. Buckmaster was pastor (Elsie Howe's father) they built the old church building that was lost in a tornado, May 4, 2003.

As of now, there have been 15 pastors of the Wilson Creek Baptist Church.

History of WCBC

Wilson Creek Baptist Church was organized May 20, 1928, at the Greenridge School House located about one mile south of Battlefield, MO, on the northeast corner of FR 190 and FF highway... Read More