Apple Springs Baptist Church

OUR HISTORY

 

  Apple Springs Baptist Church is located in the community of Apple Springs in Trinity County, Texas. It is said that the town was named for the apple trees growing along a spring in the area.

  According to oral history, the B.M.A. Baptist Church, Apple Springs, Texas, was established in the early 1940's. The members met in the Masonic Lodge building while money was being saved to purchase a building to use as their church.

  On the 30th day of June, 1944, T.E. Rhodes and his wife, Beulah Rhodes, sold a building to the church for $1000.00. The building was previously used as a beer joint and dance hall. Members of the church began remodeling the building, however the date of completion is not known.

  After many years in the first building, there was need for a new meeting place. Members decided to begin praying for funds to construct a new building. Soon $1500.00 was pledged and plans for a new church building got underway. The Texas Baptist Men Retirees arrived on October, 1986, and with help from the members construction was begun on a new building. The new Apple Springs Baptist Church was completed about three weeks later.

  Apple Springs Baptist Church has had many pastors. Bro. Elzie Yates was the first pastor and many have followed him. Some of the ones remembered are Brothers: Stoker, Howard, Cockrell, Lewis, Davis, O.C. Byrd, Everett Jordan, Walter Clark, Horace Fletcher, Wilton McGowen, Jack Freeman, Ward Peters, Wayne Cook, H. Earl Calloway, Charles Butler, Ed Gresham, Kenneth Mobley, Troy Usleton and Greg Hollis.

  Missionary work has always been a very important concern at Apple Springs Baptist Church. Donations are sent to sever mission organizations. The church is especially proud of Audrey Madden who grew up attending Apple Springs Baptist Church. Audrey is married to James Duke and they have been serving as missionaries in Bulgaria for about twelve years.

  Apple Springs Baptist is a small church with approximately 270 members. We may be few in numbers, but lots of seeds are being planted. With prayer and encouragement, we continue to see God's work being done.