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By the time the American frontier was officially closed in 1890, Amarillo had transitioned from a bustling Wild West town into a thriving hub of cattle shipping, and later a center for grain elevators, milling operations, and feed manufacturing. The population boomed as well, growing from just over 1,400 in 1900 to nearly 10,000 a decade later, according to the Texas Almanac.
At one point, three newspapers served the public, printing railroad timetables and carrying advertisements for goods ranging from clothing and dry goods to medicinal remedies. Amarillo ISD was formed in 1905, and a new courthouse and jail were completed a year later.
That same year, 1906, marked the founding of Second Baptist Church in Amarillo. To establish this mission of First Baptist Church, 20 charter members gathered in what the church website describes as “a humble frame building” at the corner of Fourth and Pierce streets. Over the past 120 years, the church has remained at that same location, though the facilities have been expanded and remodeled through the decades.
“We’ve always been right here,” said Larry Davis, who has served as senior pastor of Second Baptist the past two years.
The church will celebrate this milestone anniversary in October with a banquet, special worship services, guest singers and preachers, and representatives from the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.
“There’s a lot of history in this church,” Davis said, noting that the celebration will honor that legacy while looking toward the future.
Among those invited to the October celebration is Charlie Jones, who served as pastor for 32 years beginning in 1971, a time during which the congregation experienced significant growth. As part of the anniversary celebration, the church will recognize not only Jones but other former pastors who have faithfully served the congregation.
“Our church has been blessed with a strong history of long-tenured pastors,” Davis said.
After pastoring churches in Missouri and working with homeless veterans at a mission in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Davis and his wife, Sissi, sought God’s direction for their next place of ministry.
“The Lord answered the desires of my heart,” Davis said of Second Baptist. “This is one of the most loving churches we have ever been a part of. The church continues to grow, and people are excited about what God is doing. We have baptized 25 people during our first two years here.”
“This is one of the most loving churches we have ever been a part of. The church continues to grow, and people are excited about what God is doing. We have baptized 25 people during our first two years here.”
Outreach with intentionality
Intentional evangelism is a hallmark of the church.
“We are blessed with dedicated volunteers who truly desire to live out the will and work of God,” Davis said.
Outreach efforts take many forms.
“Last year, we took our first international mission trip in over 20 years,” Davis said. The trip ministered to churches in Brazil and resulted in 100 people praying to receive Christ.
Other efforts remain close to home. The church continues to host its annual VBS and fall festival, the latter drawing approximately 600 people for games, fellowship, and a gospel message in late October.
The latest Hope in the Park took place in March at Woodland Park. “For this event, we distributed 1,700 flyers to nearby homes, inviting families to the park and to our Easter service,” Davis said. Families enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by church volunteers, while police officers and firefighters brought squad cars and fire trucks for children to explore when the kids weren’t having fun in the bounce house. Fellowship and gospel conversations ensued. The church plans to host several such events throughout the year at local parks.
Outreach with a kick
The family life center is also home to a unique outreach through a karate program. Sensei Candy, a karate instructor, was seeking a space to hold classes when Sissi Davis connected with her. The church offered the use of its facilities with the understanding that each session would begin with prayer and that church volunteers could connect with families as opportunities arose.
Sensei Candy now attends Second Baptist, along with several families involved in the program.
“It’s an outreach God brought into our own building,” Davis said. “We want people to know they don’t have to go through life alone. We are here to walk alongside them.”
The church’s second annual karate tournament drew approximately 300 participants and spectators.
“Sharing the love of Christ and helping people become part of the body of Christ is central to what we do,” the pastor said, noting that some have even joined the church through additional programs such as a ladies’ exercise group.
Another popular ministry is the church’s Thursday night pickleball gathering, which offers open play, friendly competition, and an opportunity to connect with the community.
“We have a lot of fun,” Davis said. “We invite people to come, build relationships, and introduce them to the church. Many have come as a result.”
He added, “We are using every opportunity to reach people and share the gospel. Like the apostle Paul, we are willing to become all things to all people, that we might win a few.”
Prayer as the foundation
All of these efforts are grounded in prayer. On the second Wednesday of each month, the congregation gathers in the sanctuary for a dedicated prayer service.
“We ask for God’s favor,” Davis said. “He tells us to ask of Him, and He hears us. Too often we leave blessings untouched because we do not call on Him. God is able to do all things.”
“When Pastor Larry first came, he told us, ‘You all wear many hats,’” said Shelley Reid, the church’s children’s ministry director. Her husband, Galen, grew up in Amarillo and was raised at Second Baptist. The couple was married at the church, and their sons were baptized there.
Reid, who also serves on the anniversary planning committee, expressed excitement about the upcoming celebration.
“We have incredible volunteers,” she said. “They are faithful servants who love the Lord and are always willing to help wherever needed. We also have strong prayer support, and we know people are lifting up this church.”
Randall Byers serves in multiple roles at the church, including youth minister, director of television ministry, chief financial officer, and IT support. After a career in the health industry as a licensed paramedic, he now invests his time in ministry at Second Baptist.
“Over the years, I’ve seen many changes, as most churches have,” Byers said. “But through it all, the most important constant has been a shared commitment to faithfully follow God in every season.
“… I’ve had the privilege of serving under three pastors and witnessing decades of growth and a deepening understanding of our purpose,” Byers continued. “That purpose is clear—to serve God right here where He has placed us.
“My hope for the future is that evangelism will always remain at the forefront—that bringing people to Jesus and growing the kingdom of God will continue to define who we are and what we do.”
