Since its beginning in 1866, many pastors have served the Baptist congregation in Ozark. Isaac Reed was the first pastor, serving from 1866-1869. Some were there for only a year or less, others stayed several years. The last four pastors were there the longest, totaling more than 50 years!
When the congregation began, there was no building and the group met in homes. The first church building was a white, frame structure with a tall steeple. It was built on the corner of 4th and Market Streets, the exact year is unknown. This land was owned by J.C. Crudup, who later served as pastor of the church from 1880-1884. In 1882, on this same piece of land, the congregation built a second building, this one was a red brick structure which was built by J.T. Greer. A deed was filed in 1893 transferring the land to the church. In 1950 the current sanctuary and the connecting hallway to the red brick building was built at 3rd and Market Streets. Later an educational building replaced the red brick structure. In 1976 the Law Building was built, directly behind the sanctuary for offices and classrooms. The newest building, the activities building was built in 1989.
Here are some interesting facts about some of the pastors:
• Thomas J. Woodard was pastor at Ozark First Baptist Church in 1874. He was a United Confederate Veteran and Baptist Circuit Rider.
• F. L. Kregel, pastor at Ozark FBC from 1875-1877, was Associational Missionary for Clear Creek in 1875. It was said when he preached the floor shook.
• Hon. William R. McLane, pastor in 1878, also represented Franklin County in the State Legislature for one term. He was elected in 1884 on the Brothers of Freedom ticket, a farmers’ organization. He was married to Mary Bourland. He is buried on Old Wire Road, north of Ozark, in Bourland Cemetery.
• In 1888 when J.B. Wise was the pastor, the church had 81 members.
• James Franklin Brewer organized six or more churches and baptized over 500. It is said that Herbert Hoover once visited in his home for a meal. He was the pastor of churches at Paris, Charleston, Ozark (1899-1901) and others.
• Don Hook, pastor from 1944-1948, also coached football while he was in Ozark.
• John Matthews, who was at Ozark FBC from 1981-1989, also served as the Associational Missionary for Clear Creek.
• Ted Darling, pastor from 1989-2015 was known as ‘Mr. Hillbilly’ and also served as a Franklin County Reserve Deputy.
• F. L. Kregel, pastor at Ozark FBC from 1875-1877, was Associational Missionary for Clear Creek in 1875. It was said when he preached the floor shook.
• Hon. William R. McLane, pastor in 1878, also represented Franklin County in the State Legislature for one term. He was elected in 1884 on the Brothers of Freedom ticket, a farmers’ organization. He was married to Mary Bourland. He is buried on Old Wire Road, north of Ozark, in Bourland Cemetery.
• In 1888 when J.B. Wise was the pastor, the church had 81 members.
• James Franklin Brewer organized six or more churches and baptized over 500. It is said that Herbert Hoover once visited in his home for a meal. He was the pastor of churches at Paris, Charleston, Ozark (1899-1901) and others.
• Don Hook, pastor from 1944-1948, also coached football while he was in Ozark.
• John Matthews, who was at Ozark FBC from 1981-1989, also served as the Associational Missionary for Clear Creek.
• Ted Darling, pastor from 1989-2015 was known as ‘Mr. Hillbilly’ and also served as a Franklin County Reserve Deputy.
