150th Anniversary, Smyrna Baptist Church

In August of 2023, the Smyrna Baptist Church of the Oak Flat Community in southern Rusk County will celebrate her 150th Anniversary (d.v.). The church was organized Saturday, August 16, 1873. In recognition of this Anniversary, the church will have the following revival and anniversary services, with the pastor and former pastors preaching: Wednesday August 16, 7 pm; Thursday, August 17, 7 pm; Friday, August 18, 7 pm; Sunday, August 20, 10 am.

“Sat. before the 3rd Sun. in Aug. 16, 1873.

“A number of Brethren and Sisters met at Chinquapin for the purpose of organizing a Missionary Baptist Church. After divine service by Elder John Sparkman. Solicited brethren called for, none present. On motion Bro. John Deason was called to preside with Eld. John Sparkman, Bro. F. O. Galloway to act as clerk protem. Opportunity then extended to those wishing to unite whereupon 17 came forward with letters of recommendation and were received. Namely E. S. Parker, Rebecca Parker, Jasper Parker, G. A. Parker, M. T. Wells, E. Wells, W. J. Parker, C. A. E. Parker, Martha Moore, J. F. M. Reid, Mary V. Reid, Robert P. Goldsberry, Nannie E. Goldsberry, G. W. McNew, Martha McNew, C. M. Holleman, F. O. Galloway. After letters being read, fellowship for each other called for and was granted, then we extended to each other the right hand of Christian and church fellowship. Prayer being offered by Eld. John Sparkman for the preservation and the unity of the church. We then proceeded in conference, elected J. F. M. Reid church clerk. On motion the meeting was protracted. No farther business. Conference adjourned, Conference approved.”

The 1978 history of Smyrna Baptist Church by J. W. Griffith is found HERE. It is a pdf file, and searchable.

93 years later, the longest serving and a very beloved pastor by those who knew him, is John Henry Waller. There may be only a couple of members left, if that, who now remember Brother Waller. For my parents first about 15 years of their lives, Brother Waller was the only pastor they knew. They spoke highly of him and his family. Picture below from great-granddaughter Robyn Korsmo-Lechuga.

If I have calculated correctly, the longest serving pastors of Smyrna Baptist Church thus far have been:

• John Henry Waller, 20 years, 1910-1930
• Joe Reagan Brooks, 17 years, 1994-2011
• Barney Atlas Grant, 11 years, 1958-1969
• James Wyatt Griffith, 8 years, 1976-1984
• Author Darwin Munsinger, 8 years, 1984-1992

The photo below of the church house is circa 2019 by Sacred Harp singer Lisa Matt.