Here stands a testament to faith and community the Smithfield Church of Christ Plaque. This plaque marks a story that began long before this metal was cast. Let’s journey back to 1888.
The seeds of this church were sown. J. E. and Mary E. Turner deeded two lots to trustees. These men were Uriah French Lewis Jones and Thomas Garrett. These lots formed the foundation of the Christian Church at Smithfield.
Interestingly the name “Christian Church” was common then. “Church of Christ” and “Christian Church” were interchangeable. This was before a major doctrinal split in the early 1900s.
The original site was on Main Street now Smithfield Road. The price? A mere five dollars. The deed wasn’t recorded until 1907.
Oral tradition whispers stories of the church’s early days. Finding detailed records is difficult. Historians often rely on publications like The Gospel Advocate. It helped shape churches of Christ in Texas.
Even after frontier days camp meetings were common. These gatherings were reminiscent of those in Kentucky Tennessee and Missouri. Smithfield likely held such meetings.
Around 1920 a significant division occurred. It centered on instrumental music and missionary societies. The Smithfield Church of Christ aligned with the conservative stance.
Jack Tarwater remembered a “First Christian Church” sign. His uncle Paul Jones Merrill preached his first sermon here. Merrill sided with the progressives and later became a Disciples of Christ minister.
The years following the split were challenging. A few families like the Walkers kept the church alive. Ed Walker and his family provided spiritual leadership.
Philip A. White recalled his family’s involvement. His uncle James H. Prather and his family were active members. Prather’s father Jeremiah was a pioneer gospel preacher.
One memorable sermon referenced the Titanic. The preacher said “While man was busy building the Titanic God was building the iceberg.” Milton Harvey “Harv” Moore a popular preacher sometimes held meetings here.
The original church faced west. A storm once blew it off its foundation. Instead of turning it back the congregation finished the turn facing it north.
Vera Abbott Redding began attending in 1932. Her memories have been invaluable in preserving the church’s history.
In 1932 preacher L. L. Jameson arrived. One cold Sunday the stovepipe fell during a service. The Abbott family joined the Smithfield congregation that very day.
Jameson built an outhouse installed a new ceiling and added a water fountain. He even bought new song books.
Wade Banowsky began preaching in 1945. The church grew considerably during his time. They bought a communion table and individual glasses. An indoor restroom was also added.
In 1956 the church purchased land across the street. In 1960 they completed a new building. The Smithfield Church of Christ was featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Membership had grown significantly.
This plaque commemorates more than just a building. It honors the people the faith and the history of the Smithfield Church of Christ. It stands as a symbol of enduring community spirit.n