Smyrna is one of the oldest Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in the nation. The first church building was completed and dedicated in 1832. In that same year, father-and-son theologians and religious reformers Thomas and Alexander Campbell toured Tidewater Virginia, “calling for a return to fundamental principles and the acceptance of the New Testament, and that alone is the source of all authority.” The first building was destroyed by storm in June 1854, but the erection of another began immediately. On November 16, 1878, the church burned. Captain A.F. Bagby had previously purchased a $2,000 fire insurance policy that started the building program. The present building was completed in 1880.