By 1912, when George W. West began developing his namesake town in Live Oak County, Oakville Baptist Church in the county seat of Oakville had an active ministry locally and throughout the county, and six other Live Oak County communities maintained at least part-time Baptist church ministries. Baptists living in or near George West traveled to one of these churches at least once a month for designated Sunday services, while ministers pastored two or three small churches at a time and alternated preaching Sundays. After the railroad bypassed Oakville, citizens voted to move the county seat to George West and new churches were established. First Baptist Church of George West held its founding meeting on April 6, 1919, in the town's local printing office, where, following a sermon, prayer, and hymns, eleven people presented for charter membership. At that first meeting, the new members pledged collaborative mission donations and established a pattern of service that has continued through support for the George West community and for locations abroad. Following disasters or epidemics, the church has united to donate goods or services, and locally it has supported the South Texas Baptist Children's Home and Camp Zephyr, along with a benevolence program, county jail ministry, fund raisers, and youth organizations. With a mission of service through faith, First Baptist Church of George West continues to impact the community, the region, and beyond.