On October 11, 1902, five charter members—Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Choice, Mr. and Mrs. J.I. Choice, and Miss Lizzie Clinkscales—formed the Missionary Baptist Church of Kilgore. The Rev. P.J. Vermillion served as its first pastor. Its first sanctuary was built in 1906 during the pastorate of the Rev. J.A. Lee and served the small village congregation for nearly 30 years, until the Kilgore oil boom of the 1930s greatly increased both the town's population and the church's membership. The original building at South Martin and Main streets was sold in 1931, and the congregation worshiped in members' homes and various public buildings until a new brick structure was completed at this site in 1933. Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church of Kilgore has supported home and foreign missions, helped form several other local Baptist fellowships, and grown as part of the community to provide service and leadership for the changing needs of the people of Kilgore.