First Baptist Church of Wills Point

The First Baptist Church of Wills Point was founded in 1873, with Dr. J. L. Matthews, a doctor of medicine, serving as the first pastor. In 1876 the 30-member congregation erected a building, which is said to have been destroyed in a tornado the same year. Despite such setbacks, the church continued to grow, expanding its educational programs and erecting new facilities in later years. A charter member of the Van Zandt Association, established in 1905 and reorganized in 1935, the First Baptist Church has produced several missionaries and pastors from its membership. (1983)