Not many churches can celebrate a 150th Anniversary, but that is just what will happen to First Baptist Church Richardson next year.

Searching through the archives has been most interesting.  There are some early pictures that caught my attention.

In April of 1909 a tornado ripped through the Richardson community and destroyed the small frame Mount Calvary church.

By 1910 a new modified Gothic style brick church was completed.  It had imported Italian stained glass windows, a pump organ, and a baptistry that leaked. (Oaks of Righteousness by Elizabeth Johnson Moran p.26)

This is the interior of the 1910 church and congregation.  Notice the one women in the balcony on the left.  Why is she the only person standing?  Just wondering.  I would love to know her story.  I do love the hats the ladies are wearing.

This picture was probably taken in early 50’s.  Look at the the picture on the right hand wall.  It appears to be a rendering of the new proposed church which later became the chapel.  The pulpit is the same pulpit we use today.  It was made by G.B. Strait from walnut lumber he cut from his farm.

It is exciting to see these vintage photographs, and to know that many “saints” have gone before us in worshiping and serving our Lord in our community.

Blessings to you and yours,

The main 150th Anniversary celebration will be in September of 2015.  I will keep you posted.

FYI:  Mount Calvary Baptist Church changed its name to First Baptist Church of Richardson, Texas in 1954.