Flag Spring Baptist Church (1879-Present)

Above, church building from 1904-2012; church sign; church built in 2013 after the old one burned on November 20, 2012

From History of Concord Baptist Association (Cole, 1973):

During the winter months of 1878-79, a revival meeting, conducted by Rev. John Wood, was held at the Oak Hill school house. Several were saved and united with the Pilot Grove Baptist Church until our house of worship was built, and then they united with Flag Spring Church.

Flag Spring Baptist Church was organized the fourth Saturday in March, 1879. The council was composed of Rev. Wilson Alee, Rev. Nicholas Allee, Rev. John Wood, and eight deacons. The organization was based on the church covenant and Articles of Faith as laid down in Mell's Church Manual. There were thirty-eight charter members. The church was named after the nearby spring which was surrounded by flowering flags.

The land for the church building was given by J. L. Meyers.

The fourth Saturday in May, a building committee composed of W. D. Allee, P. P. Allee, J. L. Meyers and Wm. Scott was appointed. They were given power to secure outsiders to assist, in superintending the work. Part of the lumber for the building was cut and hewed from nearby timber. John Phillips was the carpenter, and the building was completed in 1879.

In the early history, business meetings we're held on Saturday morning at eleven o'clock. Saturday evening services were also held. The first church clerk was elected in May, 1879. The first church Treasurer was appointed in March, 1880. The first set pastor's salary was fifty dollars per year for one fourth time work.

The church has had a Sunday School since its early history. In the beginning Sunday School was only held during the spring and summer months. The other months a Sunday morning prayer meeting was held part of the time.

The first pledge to Home Missions was made in 1886; it was five dollars. The first pledge to Foreign Missions was fourteen dollars and was made in 1890. The church entertained the association for the Annual Meeting in 1887, 1906 and 1932.

In the year of 1904, the present house of worship was built. After the building was completed, the first and only organ was bought. A dedication service was held in November, 1904. The church later went to full-time work. A B.T.U. and a W.M.S. were organized. Two Daily Vacation Bible Schools were conducted and a mid-week prayer service was started. A basement was also dug and a furnace bought.

Pastors who have served the church are: Nicholas Allee, R. L. Hood, L. F. Ryan, Jno Wood, Wilson Allee, Jehu Robertson, Robert Harris, Wm. Robertson, J. W. Williams, John Odom, R. Q. Kelly, D. P. Row, W. D. Scrivner, L. R. Kenny, J. M. Tate, J. S. Price, Joseph DeWitt, Nv E. Williams, Roy Martin, Steward McDanial, Wayne Masters, Bob Merrill, Jim Rhoades, Jack Gilliam, Dale Alien, Robert Streeter, Zane Chesser, L. C. Roots, Bill Martenson, FJbert White, Keith Williams and the present speaker is Darrell Harris.

In 1950, the church purchased property from John Lenord for a parsonage. Rooms were built in the church basement. Other improvements include: A deep well, Sanded floors, aisle carpets, Venetian blinds, a new modern kitchen with cabinets, hot water heater, stove and refrigerator.

In 1959, a new pulpit and Lord's supper table were built, and a new gas furnace was installed.

In 1960, a new addition to the church was added. The auditorium was remodeled; the ceiling was lowered, and new pews were installed. Three new Sunday School rooms, a vestibule and two rest rooms were in the new addition. Four dozen new chairs and two chancel chairs were purchased. These improvements were made possible by a gift left to the church by the late Mr. and Mrs. Wash Allee. A bronze plaque has been placed in the vestibule in memory of them. Storm windows and doors and porch awning were purchased by members of the church. Sunday, June 11, 1961, a dedication service was held with an all day service and a basket dinner.

From the History of Moniteau County 2000:

During the winter months of 1878-79 a revival was held at Oak Hill School. It was conducted by Rev John Wood and many people were saved. They united with Pilot Grove Baptist Church until our house of worship was built. The land for the church was given by J L Meyers. The church was named for the flags, a flower, that grew around a nearby spring.

The fourth Saturday in March, 1879, Flag Spring Church was organized. The council was composed of Reverends Wilson Allee, Nicholas Allee, John Wood and eight deacons. The church was organized by the church covenant and Articles of Faith as laid down in Mell's Church Manual. There were 38 charter members.

In the early history, business meetings were held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and worship services on Saturday night. The first set pastor's salary was $50 per year to Rev Nicholas Allee for quarter time work. Sunday School was held only during the spring and summer months. The other months a Sunday morning prayer meeting was held part of the time. Baptisms were held in the creek.

The first pledge to Home Missions was $5 made in 1886. The first pledge to Foreign Missions was $14 made in 1890.

Rev Nicholas Allee was the first pastor and served for 16 years at different intervals. Rev R L Hood held the longest pastorate, serving 24 years at different intervals. He served for 18 years at one time and finished his ministerial career here when he was forced to give up his work due to advanced age and failing health. It was under his leadership that the present house of worship was built.

In 1950 the church purchased property, known as the Jack Hume farm, from John Leonard for a parsonage. The property was sold in 1975. In February 1966, Albert Bolinger gave forty acres of land in memory of his wife, Mary. A monument, bearing the inscription on a granite nameplate: "In Memory of Albert and Mary Bolinger" was constructed at the entrance.

The question was raised in the past that maybe the church should close but believers felt that the church had a place and a meaningful purpose. Through many prayers and pulling together, the church stands graciously on a hill overlooking the Moreau Creek serving as a lighthouse to all who come to worship.

From the November 28, 2012 California Democrat

For Flag Spring Baptist Church nothing changes after tragedy

Children dressed in homemade costumes which are seemingly designed to be cuter than the next. Sheep, shepherds and all manner of farm animals, Mary, Joseph, angels and wise men all doe-eyed and rambunctious, that's how I remember Flag Springs Baptist Church. The past two years I covered the church's annual Christmas play. This year, they will have to find a new home as their church tragically was lost in a fire. But Sunday, Nov. 25, Pastor Ken Chapman welcomed his church family to Sunday service held under a homemade canopy yards away from the blackened remains of their church. "Buildings may come and go," he said, "but God's love endures forever."

Chapman has just finished reading from Psalm 136 which is dedicated to how God's love endures forever. Later during his sermon, Chapman would read from 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which states, "Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances."

The previous week during a Sunday which had a high attendance of 65, this verse was the cornerstone of the message, a week later, after the devastation of the church being entirely lost in a fire, the cornerstone had not changed.

"Nothing has changed," Chapman said. "Circumstances may change, God never changes. We continue to do the work of God. We do it with resolve. It is a bit chilly, but we come with warm hearts. We are Flag Spring Baptist Church."

Dr. Calvin Brown, who is the director of missions for Concord Baptist Association which ministers to the 43 churches in the Cole and Moniteau County area, was present at the service and declared the 43 other churches of the association stood with them and will be by their side as they move forward to overcome their loss.

One of those church's pastor, Greg Morrow, from California First Baptist Church, knows firsthand the devastation the loss of a church building has. In 1987, Morrow was on staff at First Baptist Church, Jefferson City, when they lost their building to fire. One of his students was Chapman. "Morrow left me a voice message," Chapman said, "saying, "boy Ken we have been through this haven't we.' I remember 1987, the next day trudging through what was left of the church. It is great having someone like Morrow who understands what this process is like."

California First Baptist Church will actually be the temporary home of Flag Spring at least in December as they work through what their next steps will be. The church has offered to let Flag Spring use part of their facility which can house the church services indefinitely.

"I think this is what it means to be the body of Christ," Morrow said about helping out Flag Spring. "We have a kingdom mindset, which Jesus tells us to have. This is very personal for me. I have lived through a church fire, where we lost our entire facility for three years. I understand the magnitude of what this loss means. Our church has plenty of space. It will require some adjustments to accommodate our brothers and sisters in Christ. We just hope it will be a blessing for them."

Morrow added First Baptist has many ties to Flag Spring so he sees this as family helping family in this time. Chapman said while there is not much more difficult than this, God does His best work when it is the most difficult. They may have a long road ahead, but Chapman added God is going to get the glory. "We want to remember this day," Chapman said, "because nothing will keep us from worshipping our God."

Chapman said the support of the local community, Concord Association and the Missouri Baptist Convention has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. During the service letters were read from students at Latham Elementary School encouraging the church, an especially poignant significance in light of the adversity the school has faced in overcoming the loss and rebuilding of their school due to fire. Flag Spring is actively involved with the students at Latham through meals on Wednesdays and the Buddy Pack program. Both things Chapman said will continue because despite the loss of their church building, "nothing changes."

To keep warm, before the service Tyler Woods provided hot coffee and fresh donuts. Songs sung included "The Old Rugged Cross," "We are Standing on Holy Ground," and "In His Time." There were 71 in attendance at the church service which will be held next week at 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church. . .

"It is still overwhelming when you get phone calls at work and home from individuals, churches and fellow pastors asking what they can do," Chapman said, "and how they can help. For First Baptist to offer what they have is truly a gracious gift. It has been overwhelming to have folks be this concerned about us and offer so much help. You do not expect any less from the quality of people we have in this area, but when it comes you are still taken aback by it and humbled."

From the November 13, 2013 California Democrat

Flag Spring Church dedicates new building

Flag Spring Baptist Church members faced the worst fear any congregation could on the morning of Nov. 20, 2012, when they were called to the church which was on fire and would burn down. The cause of the fire was never resolved. The members and the pastor vowed that Flag Spring Baptist Church would be rebuilt and rebuilt it is!

It is estimated between 300-400 people came to assist the church in rebuilding. The community was extremely gracious in the outpouring of support and love for the church. Many times during the rebuild anything needed was donated or provided. One example was when a group of men met early one morning in May for breakfast in California and headed out to the church to pour concrete. Upon arriving on site the men removed their work hats, formed a circle and prayed for God's assistance. By 9 a.m. that morning the concrete was completed. "That Was A God Thing," said one member and that seems to have been the motto through the entire building process.

Members say it has been a wonderful journey and with the assistance of many, such as Matt Coley, who they label their Guiding Star, it is completed. Upon Coley's recommendation the re-building committee visited several churches to come up with the plan for the new church. One member said she started with - Building A Church 101 on her computer to get ideas. The committee wanted a plan that would be big enough to serve God, but small enough to know individuals and that is how the design was discovered. The new building will seat approximately 150. Unlike the previous building it has a baptistry which they have already used for three baptisms. It also has a modern sound system. The building houses a state of the art fellowship hall which can be divided into small rooms or left large, it also has two Sunday school rooms.

Currently the church meets once a week on Sundays at 11 a.m. They have had services in the building the last four weeks. Since the fire, the church has experienced a growth. A few came from other churches and joined the effort while others have returned to be part of what was almost lost forever. Members are hoping to begin Sunday school and perhaps a mid-week prayer meeting in the future.

The new Flag Spring Baptist Church building will be dedicated, Sunday, Nov. 17. An open house will be held at 1:30 p.m. and the dedication service, led by Pastor Ken Chapman, will be at 2 p.m. The entire community is invited to come see the building they so overwhelmingly assisted in rebuilding.

The church is located on Flag Spring Road off of Highway 50 across from the Business 50 exit located west of California. The regular Sunday service is at 11 a.m.

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