Land was purchased from the heirs of Thomas Bowen in 1868 for $75.00 and our present church was built in 1869 at a cost of $4,500.00. During the 127 year history of the present building there have been many changes, repairs and improvements.
In 1890 the interior was greatly improved. At this time the lovely wainscoting was installed on the walls and ceiling. The design is unique with a cross on the ceiling, the length and width of the building. The cost was $408.00.
The balcony was added in 1890 and enclosed with windows in 1930. New furniture, the pulpit and three chairs were purchased in 1899 and remain in use today. The communion table and two side chairs were purchased in 1964.
In 1924 electricity was installed. Prior to this date, evening services were rarely held. When they were, large cast iron brackets held oil lamps along the walls.
In 1936 the two potbelly stoves located on either side of the sanctuary were replaced with a used wood/coal heater placed in a cellar dug especially for this purpose. Wood was $4/load, coal was $8/ton. In 1953 an oil burner unit was installed in this old heater, an improvement, but not efficient. In 1958 a new oil burning heater was installed and served us until February 1986 when it exploded and a small fire burned itself out. It was by the wonderful grace of God that the church building was not destroyed. Following the explosion, a combination heating/air-conditioning system was installed. The cost was a little less than $6,000.00. There have been many other changes to our church building, some you can see, such as vinyl siding and new windows, others you can only read about.
The Fellowship Hall had its beginnings in 1923 with the formation of a committee to research the erection of a separate building to hold socials and entertainments. In 1923, James C. Bowen presented the lot adjoining the church property to the Helping Hand Society. In 1925 the building committee commenced with plans, specifications and ground breaking took place on November 22, 1925. The hall was used for the first time on June 12, 1926.
This building has also undergone many changes. In 1946, it was completely re-wired. We have had many "new" items installed in the hall. One of them being a new pump which was used until the 1950's (a new pump being a tall wooden thing with a long handle). Then we got an electric pump.
There have been many things added to or changed in the hall to make it more efficient and sociable. In 1968 the kitchen area was enlarged and a restroom added. Many only see our updated kitchen of today. But there were quite a few who were willing to let the men do the dishes in our "old" deep sinks.
This building has held quilting bees; worship services; vacation Bible School; Sunday School; women's meetings, men's meeting; suppers; entertainments; classrooms; Sunday School picnics and many other things.
More than sixty-five years ago, the men and women of Smithville. Church had a vision. That vision became a reality and has been an additional "lighthouse" for doing the work of the Lord. As times and needs change, this building will become part of the "one building" that we see leading us into the next century as a beacon reaching out to those who are searching.