Salt Creek Baptist Church invites the public to tour the congregation’s new facilities at an open house this Sunday, June 24, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served and church members will be on hand to serve as guides.  The church is located at 7775 FM 3100 in Early, four miles off U.S. Highway 377.

In 1889, a small group of pioneering people gathered in the community and organized as Salt Creek Baptist Church, the same year another small group met and established Howard Payne University. The original congregation purchased the plot of land for $10 and met under a brush arbor on the premises until the first building could be constructed.

In 2008, land adjoining Salt Creek Baptist Church was purchased in preparation for expansion. In 2010, the decision was made to begin site preparation and launch construction of a 12,100-square-foot building, double the size of the current facilities and housing a new worship center, Bible-study classrooms, nursery, fellowship hall, kitchen and more. The excited congregation entered the new building on Sunday, June 3, for the first services. Future plans include the removal of a major portion of the church’s older structure for the addition of expanded parking and lawn space.

The original portion of the first worship auditorium is still part of the facilities in use today. The chapel portion will be kept and utilized as part of the church’s ongoing activities.

“All of us at Salt Creek Baptist Church extend our invitation to Heart of Texas residents to join us at our open house, as well as to drop by any Sunday to be part of a worship service,” said Jimmie Mize, the church’s pastor since May 2006. “Our congregation is characterized by a joyful fellowship, a generous spirit and a warm welcome to new members and guests. From long-time members to the newest of guests, everyone seems to feel and enjoy a closeness and a sense of common endeavor to be an encouragement to others and a service to the Lord.”

Special emphases are planned throughout the summer in the church family’s new home.  Pictured above is the congregation in the new sanctuary of the church.