BONNE TERRE HISTORY

The history of the church began in 1879 in East Bonne Terre. At this time all denominations met together. In 1882 a Baptist church was organized under Rev. J. G. Hardy and called Miners Rest Baptist Church. In April 1886 the name was changed to Bonne Terre Baptist Church and in January 1887 the congregation moved into Bonne Terre. In 1888 the church acquired a lot on Fite Street from St. Joe Lead Company. The church placed a one-room frame building at this site. From 1889 to 1891 the church built a parsonage, bought a bell and dedicated the church building. In 1891 the parsonage was sold due to indebtedness. The current building was erected in 1926. The church continued to grow and by the mid 1930's Sunday School enrollment was 429 and church membership 531. During the 1940's, under Bros. Victor Connelly and Ernet Towler, the church acquired an organ, built a cabin at Bates Creek Camp and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1940. In the early 1950's the church built an education building and the Silver Springs Mission Building. For more information, see Blackwell, Robert M., "Bonne Terre: The First Hundred Years", Bonne Terre Centennial Corporation, 1964. This book is available in the reference section of the library