The First Baptist Church of Simpson was begun, by Elder A.R. Tucker, in 1876 in the old McKee School building approximately three miles east of Simpson. The church was not organized, however, until September 11, 1886. At that time, seven members were secured, and through the dedicated efforts of J.A. Kerley, Ben A McNeely and J.A. Tucker, the work was completed. The Church became known as “The Pleasant Hill Baptist Church”.

In 1880, Elder L.L. Smooot, a native of Johnson County, was ordained to preach at the church. He served many churches as pastor, including Simpson, and held many successful revivals.

In 1891, the church was moved to Simpson and services were held in the school building there until 1898, when the church building was built at the present site. There were preaching services once each month.

Mr. Jim Shelton hewed out the first pews for the church. He and his wife, Isabelle (Gray) Shelton were among the charter members of the church.

Mrs. Leota Choate was the organist beginning in 1905 and serving for several years.

Uncle John Murrie was known to shout with regularity in the new church, scaring all the babies and small children.

Records show by Warranty Deed dated January 15, 1898, J.L.Mount and Nannie Mount, his wife of Simpson, conveyed to J.F.Gillespie, J.R. Shelton and D.M.Kerley, Trustees of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and their successors, ¾ acre for the consideration of $40.00, as recorded in the County Records of Johnson County. On December 22, 1936, .07 acre was conveyed as the right of way for public road inin consideration of $100.00. Acknowledged by T.T.Kerley, Deacon, H.F.Verhines, Deacon and Clara Kerley of Simpson Missionary Baptist Church.

Simpson Baptist Church was very active. We have records of the church hosting the Union Baptist Associational Meeting in 1917, with John Adams as Moderator and Brother R.B. Butler preaching. It was not until 1953 that Simpson again hosted the Associational Meeting with Brother Ivan Christoff as Moderator and John L. Clerk, and Brother Freddie Neibel doing the preaching.

Note: No record can be found of the changing of the name of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church to Simpson Missionary Baptist Church or First Baptist Church of Simpson

Many records are missing from the early years. We do have accurate records from September 1933, as well as some records of baptisms as far back as 1916. We would welcome any information covering this period of time.

In 1972, the church voted to build a new church building. A mortgage was made on January 5th, 1973 for the amount of $18,500.00 to be paid in 18 monthly payments at 7% interest. The note was paid in full on December 27, 1976.

In 1977, the church purchased approximately seven and a half acres along with building from Mrs. Clara Kerley. A 30 x 40 foot dining area, which included a basemant, was built.

In May of 1984 the church voted to build a parsonage near the church building.

Today, Simpson Baptist Church has 217 members enrolled. Brother Richard Martin serves as pastor. Steve Shoemaker serves as Deacon as well as a trustee. Bob Futch, Norman Lee, and Kenny Brown also serve as trustees.

In 2004-2005 we added a new fellowship hall and gym east of the sanctuary. This has been named "The Art Murrie Resource Center."

The 7200 square foot addition will be used for church, youth, and community activities, as it houses a full gymnasium, commercial kitchen, stage area with sound booth, and fellowship area.

The church will make the center available for rent to the public as long as it is a non-profit activity. It will be rented for weddings, family reunions, or civic groups.

It took just over a year to complete construction of the solid concrete building. The center was designed to withstand 240 mile per hour winds, an F2 Tornado, designating it a disaster shelter for the Simpson area. It also has an outside hook-up for the Baptist Emergency Disaster Motorhome.