OUR HISTORY

Founded in Faith. Built by Community. Rooted in Christ.


Palmyra Baptist Church was established on May 27, 1875, when ten believers gathered at the Union Schoolhouse northwest of Benton, Kansas. With guidance from Rev. J.S. Saxby and Elder Faye of the United Brethren Church, the group formed a new congregation—what was first called the West Branch of Whitewater.


Not long after, the name was changed to Palmyra, inspired by a local post office one mile east of our present site. Operated by Charles Fisher—one of our founding members—the post office name came from his mother’s hometown in Palmyra, New York. The ancient city of Palmyra in Syria also lends a rich heritage to the name—a historic oasis known for beauty and endurance. Fitting for a church called to be a light in its community.

From Tent Revivals to a Church Home

In the early years, worship gatherings were held in schoolhouses and homes. Revival meetings were central to growth, including a powerful two-week meeting in 1889 that led to 15 new members. Through the dedication of pastors and lay leaders, God continued to draw people together.

A revival in 1903 under Rev. J.E. Watson renewed the vision for a permanent church building. Local farmer Ambrose Phares generously donated land, and the congregation came together to raise funds. Construction began on a 28x42-foot building, and on January 10, 1904, the new church was dedicated—built by the hands of the community and covered in prayer.

Growing Through Revival and Service

In the decades that followed, Palmyra experienced steady growth through revival meetings, missions, and faithful pastoral care. The church held regular cottage prayer meetings, supported missionary work, and nurtured the spiritual formation of all ages.

By the 1920s, the need for more space led to the construction of a Sunday School annex, dedicated in 1926 following a revival that welcomed 70 new members. Weekly offerings, birthday boxes, and active participation in the local association reflected a church alive in ministry.

In the 1930s and '40s, the building was improved with electricity, running water, and landscaping. Pastors and members worked side by side to care for the property and the people. One significant development came in 1946, when Mrs. Ila Gragg launched the church’s first Vacation Bible School—an outreach that continues each summer to this day.

Building for the Future

In 1950, the church broke ground on a new facility. With volunteer labor and generous gifts, the congregation completed and dedicated the basement that December, followed by the full sanctuary in 1953. The original church building was lovingly deconstructed and sold at public auction.

The years ahead brought more growth. Families from the nearby disbanded Pleasant View Baptist Church joined in 1961, and in 1971, Palmyra helped establish a local skilled nursing home in partnership with other area churches.

In 1992, following prayerful planning and input from a Focus Committee, the church broke ground once again—this time to expand and modernize facilities for future ministry.

A Legacy of Faithfulness

Since 1875, Palmyra Baptist Church has been led by faithful pastors and shaped by generations of believers committed to God’s Word, to one another, and to the mission of making Christ known. From a schoolhouse gathering to a thriving church family, our story is one of God’s continued faithfulness and grace, despite our weaknesses and failures.

And we believe the story is still being written.

To God be the glory—yesterday, today, and always.