First Baptist Church of Plano
In 1874, Reverend Lanson Steward of New York visited Plano, sowing the seeds that led to the formation of First Baptist Church. In 1876, he was invited to return and serve as the church’s first pastor. Reverend Steward, the cousin of Lewis Steward, one of Plano’s founders, answered the call, shepherding the church until his death in 1879. Construction of the church building was completed in 1883 at a total cost of $4,800. Lewis Steward deeded the lot to the church in 1890.
When the Plano Manufacturing Company harvester factory, the town’s largest employer, moved to the West Pullman section of Chicago in 1893, all but ten of the Baptist church members were lost as workers followed the company to Chicago. Through the faith and dedication of those who remained, the church continued on.
By the turn of the century, ten pastors had served First Baptist Church. 1902 saw the arrival of a new pastor and the remodeling of the church building. The pulpit, choir platform, and organ were moved to the south side of the building and the seating for the congregation was turned to face south. Excavation for a basement was undertaken in the 1920s. When completed, it included a kitchen, space for Sunday school classes and social activities, and rest rooms. In 1925, a pipe organ was purchased from the Plano Theatre. In 1945, during the pastorate of Dr. R.E Simms, the organ was sold to the Reorganized Latter Day Saints church (the stone church) in Plano. Dr. Simms, who was highly esteemed by church members, has been the church’s longest serving pastor up to the present.
An educational wing was added to the church building in the early 1960s. That decade also saw the notable episode of the pastorate of Reverend Frankie O’Hara. His service at first Baptist Church began in 1964. In 1966, Reverend O’Hara offered his support to a group of addicts who were referred to as “Addicts for Jesus”. As many as 24 addicts were housed in the former Boos School on N. East Street in Plano. Although pastors from other Plano churches also voiced support for the group, a number of Plano citizens objected to the presence of the group in Plano. The Addicts for Jesus left the town soon afterward, as did Pastor O’Hara.
In 1976, First Baptist Church began its second century while the nation celebrated its 200th anniversary. A week of events ended with a service reminiscent of the church’s early worship. The service featured church members dressed in costumes of the style worn in 1876, and was conducted without lights, microphones, or the organ.
It was during this era that the parking lot east of the church was added when the Herold property was acquired. The house and garage on the lot were demolished, providing space to park the vehicles of 180 to 200 attendees.
Special worship services were held throughout the year, as well as Sunday School classes for all ages. Youth groups for junior and senior high students were active in the 1980s and 1990s. Fifty to seventy children attended Vacation Bible School each summer, with the church partnering with the Lutheran and Methodist churches beginning in 2010. First Baptist church continues to participate with other Plano churches in community events and services such as the Methodist church’s Trunks and Treats event each October.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic forced changes in worship for churches. First Baptist Church eliminated Sunday School, while Sunday services were broadcast on Facebook, which has continued after in-church services resumed. Bible studies and devotions were conducted remotely.
The congregation has recently written a new constitution and gone to a One Leadership Board system. Brunch and coffee hours have replaced banquets and pot lucks. There is a very active prayer chain and hymns and special music at services are provided by CDs. Attendance averages 30-40 with a bi-vocational pastoral couple now leading the congregation. The church continues to look to God and another 150 years in Plano.
Plano Historical Society 