Mr. and Mrs. James Swanzy moved back to the Toledo Bend area in 1980. During that time the idea of a Southern Baptist Church in the lake community began to grow. The launch of the Baptist General Convention of Texas' "Mission Texas" and a goal of 2000 new churches intensified that vision.
During the fall of 1984, the Swanzy's shared that vision with their pastor, Dr. James Palmer of First Baptist Church, Center, Texas. They later drove through the area mapping out every road and counting every house and trailer.
In October, 1986, First Baptist Church, Center, Texas hired Brett Castle to assist in beginning a work on the lake.
Sunday, Nov. 2, 1986, an organizational meeting was held at the home of James and Merle Swanzy. In attendance were the Swanzy's, Brett and Betty Castle and sons, Florence Hollowell, Edna Blake, Lucille Butler, Gladys Gatlin, and Dr. James Palmer.
In January 1987, The group continued to meet in homes until they began to rent and meet in the former Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, which was closer to Shelbyville, until the present building was completed. In October, 1987, property was purchased on FM 3172.
In 1987 the mission had it's first revival, fish fry, Vacation Bible School, evening services and youth led service.
Wednesday night prayer meetings also began in the homes of members and continued until the present building was complete.
At the end of that same year, the deed was signed for the land for a new building.
In 1988 the sign went up to announce to the neighborhood that a new church was being built on this site. Land was cleared, floor plans approved, more fish fries, Vacation Bible School and visitation blitz. Sunday school enrollment doubled from the previous year.
Bro. Castle resigned August 31, 1988, to pastor a full-time church in Talco, Texas, and Bro. Calvin Brownlow became our pastor.
Ground breaking on April 9, 1989, marks the beginning of the construction of the first permanent building and a purpose to be a Southern Baptist witness in the Toledo Bend Lake Community of Huxley, TX, and to develop a self-supporting autonomous Baptist church that would reach unchurched people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1989 brought more hard work. Construction began in April with preliminary work, ground breaking, etc.
On June 5th the Christian Builders arrived on the scene and the building began to go up. Two days later, we had prayer meeting in the building. On June 22nd, the last Christian Builders left and we had a building with a roof. Our people went to work with the help of the Lord and other volunteers and finished hanging sheet rock, etc. On Oct. 1st, we had dedication services and on Oct. 2nd, a revival was led by Bro. Ken Eels.
In November, Bro. Brownlow resigned and in the next year, Bro. Dured Wheetley was called as our pastor.
The church continued to grow and work continued on lighting, lawns, etc.
In 1991, Bro. Wheatly left and Brol Carl Smith became our interim pastor for 6 months, followed by Bro. Russ Atwood for some months.
Our Outreach was started, the first wedding was held, and an intercessary prayer room was established.
In 1992 Bro. Mike Fredrick was called as pastor. The church continued to minister to the community. Bro. Fredrick resigned in August 1994 and Bro. Johnny Allen was called and accepted in that same year. Bro. Allen stayed about a year.
Bro Leslie Stone was interim pastor for about a year between Bro. allen and Bro. Jack Forbis. He stayed about a year and Bro. Jack Forbis was called as our pastor in 1996.
Jan. 15, 1995, marks the date os the Organization of the Constitution of Toledo Bend Baptist Church.