Mission:

The mission of the church is "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

History:

A look into the history of this church is also a look into the history of Texas. After Texas gained its independence and had been admitted to the Union, the Southern Baptist Convention sent missionaries into different parts of our great state. It is not known whether the founder of our church, Elder William H. Ray, born in Kentucky, was one of these missionaries or came to Texas on his own. But what is fact is that he helped organize First Baptist Church of Tyler, Texas, on April 8, 1848, and served as their first pastor. Then on October 27, 1849, he helped establish our church which was originally called Harris Creek Baptist Church. On October 17, 1929, the church voted to change the name from Harris Creek Baptist Church to Winona Baptist Church. In a special conference held November 16, 1941, it was decided that the church would become full-time and meet every Sunday. Another name change was voted on at a business conference held on January 12, 1947. The name was then changed from Winona Baptist Church to First Baptist Church of Winona. In June of 1997, First Baptist Church of Winona was officially recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark. Descendants of William H. Ray, Mildred Shamburger and Kenny Ray, participated in the unveiling ceremony of the historical marker on June 29, 1997. First Baptist Church of Winona has stood in this community for a century and a half as a testimony for God. Many lives have been touched and changed because of our church. May ‘those who come behind us find us faithful’ as we, with God’s help, continue this Heritage of Faithfulness.

About Us:

First Baptist Church of Winona is a family of regular people, serving Almighty God. We are told we are very friendly and welcoming. We invite people of all ages and backgrounds to come and become part of our family.

We are the second-oldest church in Smith County, started in 1849. We have been in our current location since 1980, one block from Hwy 155, 3 miles north of I-20 at Exit 567. For 165 years, we have sought to be a lighthouse where Christ can shine through. It is our goal to provide ministry for and to the entire family. Bible study, worship, fellowship, outreach and missions are all a vital part of the ministry of First Baptist Church of Winona.