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Royce Missionary Baptist Church was organized May 6, 1951, in the home of
the Rev. L. S. Chambers, Jr., who lived on Sheridan Circle.
The church was named Bible Baptist Tabernacle.
The first services were held in the Jefferson High School Building, and
the Rev. Letcher M. Vandergriff served as pastor.
In 1952, land was purchased on Royce Circle, and the name was changed to
Royce Missionary Baptist Church. In
1962, the church voted to join the Southern Baptist Convention and called a
pastor for full-time service. In
planning for the future, members decided to sell the land in 1955 and purchase
three acres on South LaSalle Road. During
this period, the congregation met in Linden School Building.
Work was completed on the basement of the present building in 1956. After meeting in that facility for several years, the
sanctuary was completed, and the first worship service was conducted in it on
August 23, 1959.
In 1966, additional rooms were added to the back portion of the
sanctuary. The parsonage, which is
now the church office and “guest quarters,” was completed in 1971.
The church was remodeled in 1977, and the parking lot was enlarged and
paved in 1984.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on January 21, 1996, for a family
life center and new Welcome Center. The
Welcome Center includes a drive-thru portico and a three-stop elevator.
The family life center includes a gym, nursery, kitchen, six classrooms,
and a large upper room for the youth of the church.
The church has grown from the original 12 charter members to its present
membership of 415.
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