This Church, presently known as Republic Free Will Baptist Church, had its beginning in 1948 when it was a fundamental Methodist Church. It was a concrete block building with hard wood floors, two small offices, two restrooms and a full basement. The work was done by Bill Robertson, and volunteer labor.

The Church remained in the Methodist denomination for the next 39 years. In August of 1987, due to various circumstances the Church closed its doors. It was closed for the next five years.

The first Sunday in January of 1992, Rev. Tony Butcher and his wife Kay, came to Republic to reopen the Church. At this time it would become the Free will Baptist denomination. Rev. Butcher pastored for three years, resigning in February of 1995. Rev. Clarence Burton agreed to fill the pulpit, along with his wife Vivian, as interim pastor, for a few months. During his pastorate, the Church joined the Missouri State Association of Free Will Baptists.

In August of 1995, Rev. Don Anderson was hired as full-time pastor of the Free Will Baptist Church, along with his wife, Carol. Shortly after he was hired, three of his four children moved to Republic to help the Church. They are a steadfast, loyal, and hard working family – definitely an asset to the Church.

This well known landmark In Republic Missouri, having served a wonderful purpose all these years, was showing definite signs of wear and tear and deterioration, and was requiring more and more maintenance to keep it useable.

Having had an ongoing building fund for some time, the congregation set about making plans to build another building. It was decided to build an activity center first and then a new sanctuary whenever feasible. The center would have several classrooms a very nice kitchen, restrooms and an open area large enough for to have basketball and volleyball games. The lot was surveyed in 2008, an alley was relocated, architectural drawings and city permits were obtained and construction was underway. When the building was nearing completion, it was decided, due to the condition of the old building, to use it for all services.

The city had issued an occupancy permit and on April 24 2011 services were held for the first time. It wasn't long until it became apparent that the old building must come down. An acceptable bid was received for the demolition and by the middle of July 2014; the beloved old building was gone. This was a sad day for some of the older members. With the building went lots of precious memories.

Some interesting facts: The first event in the old building, other than regular services, was the wedding of Jimmie Blades and Madge McDaniel in 1950, and the first social event in the new building was the wedding reception of Jess Erwin and Lorrie Eubanks in 2011.

So this is the story of the Repubic Free Will Baptist Church A wonderful Christ-centered Church always striving to help lost souls find the Lord