Our Story

The story of a church transcends mere dates and events, unfolding in the spiritual renewal of hearts touched by faith, hope, and salvation through Christ. In Esther, Missouri, this legacy began on September 11, 1915, when a dedicated group of interdenominational locals gathered at Hoy Hall to establish a Mission Sunday School under the guidance of Flat River (now Park Hills) Baptist Church. Led by Reverend George Steele and organized by  Cet Hunt, Joe Kite, and Joe Hill, this initiative echoed the pioneering spirit of Sarah Barton Murphy's first Sunday School west of the Mississippi, founded 110 years prior.

Esther Baptist Church was formally organized on the afternoon of May 21, 1916, at the same hall, marking the start of a widening circle of influence that continues to kindle joy and bear spiritual fruit in countless lives.

From its naming as The First Missionary Baptist Church of Esther under founding pastor Reverend C.C. Gossage in 1916, the congregation swiftly built its first debt-free sanctuary by 1918, marking milestones like the inaugural Lord's Supper in 1919 and steady growth under successive leaders such as Reverends J.C. Amos, W.A. Huie, V.E. Patterson, W.J. Bailey, Jesse Clark, and R.L. Shell. Amid expansions and trials—including a devastating 1940 fire followed by rapid rebuilding under Reverend W.E. Hicks—the church flourished through educational additions in the 1950s, auditorium remodels, a new parsonage in 1965, and innovative ministries like radio broadcasts and visual education, guided by pastors like W.R. Manion, V.E. Defreece, Harvey Lou Barton, Vernon Covington, and Dr. Charles R. Brown.

Today, Esther Baptist Church carries forward the legacy of its founders, steadfastly following Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing the gospel, making disciples of all nations, and serving the community through diverse mission projects. We invite you to come and be a part of what the Lord is doing in Park Hills!