Phillips County Historical Quarterly 

SEPTEMBER, 1977

Published by
The Phillips County Historical Society

Meetings are held in September, January, and May, on the fourth Sunday in the month, at 3:00 P. M. at the Phillips County Museum.

The Phillips County Historical Society supplies the QUARTERLY to its members. Membership is open to anyone interested in Phillips County history. Annual membership dues are $5.00 for a regular membership and $10.00 for a sustaining membership. Single copies of the QUARTERLY are $1.25. QUARTERLIES are mailed to members. Dues are payable to Mrs. C. M. T. Kirkman, Treasurer, 806 McDonough Street, Helena, Arkansas 72342.

Neither the Editors nor the Phillips County Historical Society assumes any responsibility for statements made by contributors.

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PHILLIPS COUNTY
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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THE PROMISED LAND.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto my self; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Are we all following the Bible injunction which reads: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as manner of some is,” and do we all ponder well the words?

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First Baptist Church—Marvell

Where The Friendless Will Find a True and Tried Friend.

 

CHURCH SERVICES

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Second and Fourth Sundays in each month. 11:00 and 7:30.

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We extend a cordial invitation to all to come and worship with us at both our services. 11:00 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.

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The Church Orchestra will play at both services. Come! Pray! And work with us in building up Marvell.

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CHURCH OFFICERS.

CHURCH FAMILY.

STANDING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church services Second and Fourth Sunday in each month at 11:00 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.

Sunday School every Sunday at 10:00 A. M.

Church Family services each Wednesday evening at 7:30 P. M.

The Ladies Auxiliary meets Tuesday afternoon following preaching services. All ladies invited to attend these meetings.

We give here a list of former pastors who have served the First Baptist Church, together with dates showing the length of time each served.

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List of Clerks serving the First Baptist Church, together with dates showing the length of time each one served.

List of Deacons of the First Baptist Church since the organization, 1877.

xStill living and active in the services of the First Baptist Church, except Mr. Belsha, who now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. All the others have gone to their eternal reward.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”

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SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The Sunday School of the First Baptist Church was organized in April, 1888. The records show that the Sunday School has gone through some very hard and trying times, but through it all has been able to continue in existence until the present. The Sunday School began on April 5th, 1883, with fourteen members, and today there is an enrollment of 125. This will show to those that have worked in that capacity, that their labors have not been in vain.

Mr. J. A. Nix was elected as the first Superintendent of the School, and Mr. S. H. King was elected as the first Assistant. Mr. Henry Ward was the first Secretary-Treasurer to serve the Sunday School.

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OFFICIAL SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILY.

“The Lord is in His Holy Temple: Let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

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SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS—ADVANCE DEPARTMENT.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS—PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.

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The Sunday School meets every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. All are urged to be present, and on time. Your presence and promptness will count in building up a fine School.

Let each one of us be present each Sunday morning and be sure and bring some one with us. A thing that is worth while is worth working hard for; worth every effort we may be required to expend in making that thing a grand success. Then, come out to Sunday School and let us work together in the building of a great Sunday School.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

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APPRECIATIONS.

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Dear Friends:

My work with the First Baptist Church has been, and is still, a source of great pleasure. The work was begun with a keen sense of the responsibility that would rest upon me and my labors and my efforts, yet the splendid and whole-hearted co-operation on the part of the membership, and those visiting our church to worship with us, has enabled the Church to move forward, and at the same time placed a debt of gratitude upon me which I shall never be able to pay. We give God the Glory and Praise.

My prayer is: Our Father and our God, give us Grace in sufficient abundance that we may be able to carry on our work, which Thou hast given us, to completion. Help us to believe, so strongly, in thine Only Begotten Son that we will lay His claims before sinners, alien to the Commonwealth of Heaven, that they may rest their all on His all-atoning work, and go forth to serve Him. Restore the back-slider, 0 God! and make them more useful in the services to which Thou hast called them. Help us all to be more useful in Thy Kingdom. Use each of us for whatsoever purpose, and whatsoever way, Thou mayest be pleased. We need Thee every hour to uphold us and sustain us. Help me to reflect that beauty that reigns before Thy Throne.

Now unto Him that is able to keep your feet from falling, and present your souls spotless before Him who sits on the Great White Throne, be honor, dominion, power, praise and Glory, forever and ever. Amen.

James William Smith.

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LADIES’ AUXILIARY.

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On account of insufficient records it is almost an impossibility to give a complete record of the Auxiliary and the work that has been accomplished by this noble band of Christian Women.

The present organization came into being in 1907, but the reocrds fail to show whether or not it was a re-organization of the Woman’s Aid and Missionary Society th.t existed prior to this time.

There existed in 1886 an orgaization by the name given, and it is believed that the present Ladies’ Auxiliary is the reorganization of the Woman’s Aid and Missionary Society. An exact copy of the minutes are here given to show that such an organization did exist prior to the time of the organization of the present Ladies’ Auxiliary.

“The Church then proceeded to organize a Missionary Society to be called the Woman’s Aid and Missionary Society. The following names were added as members, viz: Mrs. Obenchain, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Kindel, Miss Virginia Alexander, Mrs. Woodarw, Mrs. Porter King, Mrs. Sallie King, Miss Julia King, and Messrs J. T. Lucado, Louis C. Ward, Martin Cole, L. K. Obenehain, and S. H. King. The Society is to meet this afternoon for the purpose of electing officers.”

Henry Ward, Clerk.     L. K. Obenchain, Moderator.

Our present records fail to show any connection whatever with the organization herein given, but due to the fact that such an organization did exist, it is believed with almost certainty, that this is a re-organization of the old Society with a new name.

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PRESENT ORGANIZATION.

As no records are available, we have been forced to rely upon the memory of those PRESENT when our present organization came into existence. We are told that it was formed into a working body in the year 1907, and that Mrs. T. F. Dawson was the first President.

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OFFICERS.

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The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the First Baptist Church, Marvell, Arkansas, is known from the Canadian border on the North to the Gulf of Mexico on the South, and from the Atlantic Ocean on the East to the Pacific Ocean on the West. It is the outstanding Auxiliary of the entire Country. The ladies that compose this organization are consecrated Christian women and show their faith by their works.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The records covering the Ladies’ Auxiliary only date back to 1920. Enough is given, however, to show the amount of work that has been done by these noble women.
From 1920 to 1928 Auxiliary made from all sources $5840.09
From 1920 to 1928 Auxiliary paid out all sources $5796.02

Since 1921, the ladies composing this noble organization quilted 262 quilts and distributed them to all parts of the United States.

It is a great source of pleasure to be associated with such women workers as these. When a call is made, they respond.

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“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Mat. 7:7.

The following ladies compose the membership of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the First aBptist Church, Marvell, Ark.

I wish to thank everyone who has so readily co-operated with me in getting together the information for this booklet, for without their aid the task would have been too great for me to undertake. ‘We find a helping hand just where the road is roughest; Kind friends beside us stand, just where the burden’s hardest.” Thanks to all.

YOUR PASTOR.

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NOTICE.

The information given in this little booklet was compiled by Rev. James William Smith, present pastor of the Churches herein listed. 1930)

The records of all the Churches have been examined and all dates and names listed were taken from the old church book of each Church.

Should you find a mistake, do not blame any of the present clerks. (1930)

All dates have been verified with those appearing the Church minutes of each Church.

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AN INVITATION TO COME TO CHURCH

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It is a good thing to be seen in the House of God. It is also good to go to church.

Because—Time is invested in the thoughts of eternity.

Because—The enduring things of life—faith, hope, love, are stressed there.

Because—Public worship, sincerely engaged in, helps us to draw nearer to God.

Because—Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the Saviour of all who believe, went himself, and urges all to do likewise.

Because—The God who made us and understands us instructs us to do so in the Scriptures.

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Wayward people always welcome prophets who prophesy “smooth things,” but God denounces the false prophets who say, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.”

“Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there no moaning be
When I put out to sea.

For though from out our bourne of time and place,
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.”

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NOTICE.

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This Church Directory and Year Book of the Churches named, is being published and sent out at a great expense of time and money, but it is hoped that it will accomplish the purpose for which it is intended: That a permanent record of the acts and doings of the Churches may be placed in the hands of the membership that they may better understand the great responsibility which now rests upon their shoulders. Also that they may know at what cost they now have a place in which to worship, and who paid the price for them! Let us hold high

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the “Blood-stained Banner of Prince Emanuel,” by doing those things that tend for the upbuilding of the Church.

COME! WORK! PRAY!

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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

MARVELL, ARKANSAS.

The First Baptist Church, Marvell, Arkansas, was organized on the 5th day of June, 1877, with eight members. The charter members composing the organization are as follows:

J. G. Martin, S. H. King, R. L. Lucado, A. E. Kindel, M. J. Woodall, Mrs. E. Martin, Mrs. S. H. King, and Mrs. E. Kitchens.

That portion of the original minutes are here given which has to do with the organization. “According to previous appointment a meeting was held at Marvell on the 5th day of June, 1877 to organize a church at that place.” After all the preliminary statements were made and all objections removed, it was moved “to proceed with the organization of a church at Marvell.” After the organization had been perfected, articles of faith were adopted. ‘The Moderator introduced and read the articles of faith from E. T. Hiscox’s Church Directory.” After the adoption of the articles of faith, we find that a covenant was also adopted. ‘Also the Church Covenant of E. T. Hiscox’s Directory was adopted by adding ‘we agree to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage". It was agreed to call the newly organized Church, the Marvell Baptist Church.

Elder W. A. Clark was elected Moderator, or Chairman of the meeting or body, and J. W. Graham was elected Clerk. After the Church had been duly organized “the Church then went into the business of electing its officers.”

You will find in another place in this Directory who was the first Pastor and Clerk.

The Church was for sevral years without a house in which to worship, but finally succeeded in building a very small house which soon proved inedequate to accommodate the folks that came to hear the Gospel.

The records fail to disclose to us just what disposition was made of the first Church House built in Marvell, but in 1896 and 1897, we note from the records, that a house in which to worship was being sought. After several years a Union house was built

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on the lot where the Presbyterian Church now stands. This house only lasted for two years. Then plans began to be formulated for the erection of another house for the Baptists of Marvell. In 1899 a house was built on the lot where the parsonage now stands. This building stood until 1924, when it was decided to erect the present building. In 1908 a number of consecrated men decided to erect a parsonage to take care of the Pastor serving the Church, so they erected a parsonage just back of the Church.

The First Baptist Church, like all other true Churches, has passed through some hard and trying times, but through it all has ever been held together by men and women, true and tried, consecrated to the services and the work of the Lord. For several years the Church was without a Pastor. This does not mean that they were without for several years in succession, but several years, at different times. One year with a pastor, then three or four with one, then another year without, and so on. However, several Evangelists came to the Church and preached during the times when the Church had no regular Pastor.

In 1924 the parsonage burned, again leaving the Church without a home for their pastor. In 1925 a new Church House was erected, and the church converted into a very nice home for the pastor.

The new Church was constructed out of brick. The lot upon which the New Building was erected was donated by Dr. J. W. Bean of Marvell, a member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church. The new Church House is modern in every detail. It has a seating capacity of 500, with Sunday School rooms in the main auditorium’ and basement that will accommodate 250 pupils. The basement of the Church is used for the Primary Department of our Sunday School, and for such other meeting not suited for the main auditorium. On account of the short space allotted for the historical facts concerning the Church, we have been forced to confine this hstory to only the high points in the checkered career of the First Baptist Church. Fifty- three years of growth and progress cannot be related in so short a space. If the Church continues to grow in future years as it has in past years, it is reasonable to believe that a great church will be the results of the efforts and labors of all those pioneers who had the Love of God burning in their hearts, and put their desires into prayers, and the fruits of their prayers have been realized in our present Church. Too little stress is placed upon the men and women who gave time, labor and effort to build for future generations.

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Let us carry to completion the work they so nobly begun.

With the same courage and zeal that built the Church, and characterized its growth, we can carry on until the return of our Lord. These noble souls fought, labored and died for the cause of Christ, and if our present membership will display a like spirit of courage, it will be almost an impossibility to imagine what will be the outcome of the Church in the future.

We now (1930) have church paper consisting of sixteen pages. It is the direct result of the efforts and labors of those who love the cause of Christ.

So, let us renew our efforts, strength and courage, so that we may go forth into the conflict now existing between the Good and Evil forces, with a fixed purpose to win for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Upon that Solid Rock we stand, and upon that Rock we should build.

Baptist Parsonage, 1-14-30.

J. W. SMITH,
Marvell, Arkansas.

RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP.

Names listed according to date of entry into the Church, beginning with the oldest member:

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IN MEMORY.

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While this Year Book is in preparation, a very sad spot looms up before us in the death of one of our members, Brother J. M. Farrar. The Church lost a very valuable member, and the town lost its father. Brother Farrar united with the First Baptist Church in 1911. He ever remained true to his convictions to the end. We did not know how to fully appreciate him until he was called from our midst. We now know his real worth to the Church and town. He was loyal, kind and just to all. Now that he has gone to his long home, it behooves us to prepare to meet him in that Land that shall never end. His home is beyond the River, and we cannot call him back from thence, but we can so prepare as to meet him, where there will be no more parting. The Royal Pathway lays out before us, and Christ ever bids us come and walk in that path. May each one come.

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SINCE 1930

Compiled by

Mrs. H. L. Wooten

PASTORS

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Deacons during the Rev. Riggs' pastorate: Roy Kemmer, Herman Middleton, Jim Harris, Mose Corder, Victor Thomason, E. J. Hosey, Marold Bagwell.

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1930-33: The Baptist Young Peoples Union was organized in the church.

1946: A new pastorium was erected north of the

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present brick church, and the old parsonage was sold. (It stood where the Wayne Carters now live and was formerly the church house, having been renovated for the parsonage when the new church was built.)

1947: The Reverend Gunn was the last American Baptist preacher.

1948: The church sponsored a homecoming, a big event that was well attended by former members and nonresident members.

1949: The only minister called from the fellowship was ordained by the church. He was Robert (Bobby) Hollowell.

1950: Great interest was shown in Fifth Sunday Meetings and Quartets singing on Friday nights.

The Marvell church withdrew from the American Baptist Association and associated with the North American Baptist Association.

1951: The church withdrew from the North American Baptist Association and voted to associate with the Southern Baptist Convention. The church was admitted to the Arkansas Valley Association which convened at Turner Baptist Church on October 25, 1951.

The church became officially known as the First Baptist Church of Marvell. A Brotherhood was organized, and also a Woman's Missionary Society.

1952: The church began its support of the Cooperative Program, a worldwide Baptist Missionary Outreach.

1953: A bus ministry was begun when a bus was given to the church.

1954: The church actively supported the Associational Missionary, Brother H. S. Coleman, who came to live and work in the West Helena area.

The church promoted the Memphis Rescue Mission work by showing films in a nondenominational effort.

1956: Brother Ryan resigned to go into full time evangelistic work.

1960: Brother Riggs resigned to return to

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seminary study.

1961: Cottage prayer meetings were held in homes of members that summer prior to Revival.

Lamar Wooten was elected an active Deacon, having been ordained by the Rondo Baptist Church.

1962: A group of young people attended Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly.

1964: Brother Coleman, our beloved Associational Missionary, retired only briefly, died.

Terminology was changing, and Carl Fawcett came to the field as Associational Superintendent of Missions.

1965: A young evangelist, Dixon Riahls, held a youth Revival and visited in the public schools, witnessing and speaking to the classes, the last time a ministry of this type could be done.

The new parsonage on Midway Road was finished, and the new Educational Building northeast of the church was also erected to house the Primary, Beginner and Nursery Departments of the Sunday School. The old parsonage north of the church was sold to George Bartlett and moved away intact.

1968: An Extension Department was begun for the homebound people, the church library was begun, and a group of young people went to Glorietta.

1970: The Kindergarten Program was started. There were 14 pupils with Mrs. Bessie Ray as teacher.

The first summer youth program was begun with a youth director hired from Ouachita Baptist University (Butch Reeves, a ministerial student).

A Recreational Committee was added to the church committees and a softball program begun.

The Higginbothom property in front of the church was purchased for expansion and Sunday School enlargement.

1971: The Reverend Walter K. Ayers from Ft. Worth, Texas, a full time evangelist, preached to an overflowing house, and 34 were baptized into the church.

That summer the church hired Clarence and

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Molly Wooten as Youth Directors, a bus was purchased and used for youth activities, and later for a regular Sunday Ministry.

The church sponsored two young teachers, Misses Lauri Tompkins and Charlotte Holloway to attend Seminary at Ft. Worth for further Christian training.

1972: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brown were hired as Youth Directors, He was a young ministerial student from Ouachita.

The Abe Davidson property adjoining the Higginbothom property on the east side, was purchased for future parking lots.

Church began a new bus ministry, having purchased a new bus.

1975: Mrs. Lou Ann Davison was hired as summer Youth Director.

1977: The church was 100 years old on June 5th, but celebration was delayed to include dedication of the new Fellowship Hall in the fall. This building is being erected at a cost of $86,510.00 and will cover 5760 square feet. It will house a fellowship hall covering 2450 square feet and will seat 230 people, with an 180 square feet platform stage. There will be six classrooms, a large modern kitchen and a 648 square feet Kindergarten room.

The building will have a concrete block interior and a brick veneer exterior. There will be parking space for 23 cars in the area. There will be an all day program and celebration upon the completion of the building, and all are invited to come and celebrate 100 years of Baptist Witness in Marvell.

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On the following pages are recent photographs of the First Baptist Church of Marvell and its new Fellowship Hall.

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SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL.

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TEACHERS.

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STANDING ANNOUNCEMENTS.

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Sunday School every Sunday beginning at 10 o’clock, and all are requested to be present on time.

Church services on the third Sunday in each month at 11: a. m. and 7:30 p. m.

A hearty welcome awaits you at the Salem Baptist Sunday School and Church services. Come and meet your friends, enjoy their friendship, and let them enjoy yours.

We give below a list of Pastors that have served the Salem Baptist Church from 1876. No records are available from which to secure names of those serving the Church prior to this date.

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We give below a list of Clerks who have served the Salem Baptist Church since 1876. No records are available from which to secure name farther back than this date.

Below is a list of the Deacons who have served the Salem Baptist Church as such.

(x) Still living and very actvie in the Lord’s work. The names of these two men are on the lips of all members of this historic old Church. They have labored and are still laboring to carry on the work of the Lord to completion. We bid them Godspeed in their noble work.

HISTORY
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH.

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As no records are available which we can consult to give us the exact date of the organization of the old Salem Baptist Church, we are forced to rely on the memory of men and women as to the date the church was organized. We are told that the Church was organized on the year 1845. However, this

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date is only the belief of the oldest members now living (1930), but with all the eveidence, it is believed with a degree of certainty, that the Salem Baptist Church was organized in 1845.

We find that members from Salem Baptist Church assisted in the organization of a Church at Trenton in 1858, so with this valuable information before us, we can claim with a still greater certainty that the Salem Baptist Church was organized in 1845. Members from this Church also helped to organize a Church at Marvell in 1877, now (1930) known as the First Baptist Church.

From the records, the Salem Baptist Church has passed through some very hard and trying experiences, but noble men, consecrated to the services of the Lord, were able to hold the Church intact, and today, as a result of their efforts, zeal and courage, we have a Church well established in the faith of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. During the peoriod of the war, we are told by the records, the Church exeprienced difficulty in continuing as a Church, but through the courageous labors of a few, the Church passed through the trials and hardships only better to combat other evils.

As we read these old records and note the methods used by these men and women, with hearts consecrated to the living God, in handling the business of the Church, and the Kingdom work, we were made to see readily why their labors were blessed beyond understanding.

In all the records of the three churches we note, with a great deal of interest, that men and women were dealt with by

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the Church for dancing, drinking, cursing and conduct unbecoming a Christian man or woman. In those days the Churches were a real, living, vital help to the different phases of government. The Judicial and Executive departments of our government were assisted by the Churches, as we note from the records that many crimes that are today settled in our courts were, in those days, settled in the church. And it is interesting to note that it was settled for once and all time. The parties forgave and were forgiven, both by themselves and by the Church offended. We note that on several occasions men and women were brought before the Church for stealing, lying and many other minor offenses, and were all settled in a peaceable manner without cost in either money or reputation. The Church, in 1876, had 24 members. Today she has a membership of 112. This was only made possible by the courageous efforts and service of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the services of their Master, Jesus Christ.

NOTE: If any one knows anything about the old records of the Salem Baptist Church, he or she will be doing the Church and community a great service if they will notify Mr. J. L. Turner, Marvell, Ark., Clerk of the Church.

A list of the present membership of the Salem Baptist Church is here given. We list here only the resident members. You will find a list of the non-resident members below. The date shown is the date of entry into the Church. All of these dates were taken from the Church records.

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The following is a list of non-resident members of Salem Baptist Church.

Any one knowing the present address of those listed as “not known” will please notify Mr. J. L. Turner, Clerk of Salem Church.

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A MESSAGE.

You Are Invited to Come.

“And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let him that is athirst say COME, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For God so loved the world, that he GAVE His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” O, Glorious promise! The word “whosoever” includes you. It also includes everyone. Just suppose you are out walking through the town and you come to a hall, and you say to the man at the door, who are those invited to this meeting?” “Those who have tickets,” he replies. You have no ticket, so it does not include you, for you have no ticket. You say, it is not for me.”’ You come to another place where there is a meeting in progress. You read a sign on the door which says, “for members only.” You are not invited, for you are not a member. You come to another place, but still find that you cannot enter for the same reason. But at last you come to a place where a meeting is in progress, and you read a sign over the door which reads: ‘Whosoever will, let him come in.” “Ah!” you exclaim, “that is for me this time.” “Whosoever”—that means you and me—and we can get in. My friends, God puts it just that way. He puts it like that. All are invited to come to Christ. The Lord invites you to come just as you are. If you

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could make yourself any better you would not be any more acceptable to Christ. Christ wants you just as you are. Sinner friend, will you take Christ at His word and come to Him? Don’t wait to clean yourself up, but come to Him just as you are. He died for you just as you are, so come to Him just as you are. Come! Come!

J. W. SMITH.

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SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH AT CYPERT

by

Rose C. White

The Salem Baptist Church is located five miles south of Marvell on Highway 316. When this Church was organized is unknown; however, the following papers are recorded in the Phillips County Courthouse.

Baptist Church of Jesus Christ called Marlbury, State of Ohio, Delaware County, George Jefferies was ordained the 19th day of August A. D. 1821. Simeon Avery, Clerk of the Presbytery, Sabeers Main, Church Clerk. Filed for record 26th day of Sept. A. D. 1840 and recorded same day. John S. Hornor, Clerk and Ex Officio Recorder.

Salem Baptist Church-Cypert-State of Arkansas, County of Phillips, This is to certify that by the request of the regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ called Salem in Phillips County, Arkansas, believing in the doctrine of Election and that the Salvation of God's people is all of grace from first to last, did on the 31st day of May A. D. 1842 request that I should ordain and set apart John A. Baker, a licentiate and a member of good standing in said Church to the work of the ministry and the administrations the ordinances thereof after mature deliberation and council had there on, I did on the day and year above written, regularly ordain him to the administering of the ordinances of Christ's Church by prayer and laying on of hands, according to the form practised by the Baptist Churches and as such, we recommend him to all the friends of Zion and may the Lord bless him as an instrument in the building up the cause of Zion here on earth and as an able minister of the New Testament proclaim the truths of the gospel wherever God

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in his providence may cast his lot.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above written. George Jefferies, Ordained Minister of the gospel and member of Zion Church in Phillips County, Arkansas. I, Robert Maloney, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the County Court, do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original filed the 29th day of August A. D. 1842 and recorded the same day and year. Robert Maloney, Clerk. From MARRIAGE BOOK "B" 1828-1849.

*

The first record book "A" of the Salem Baptist Church was destroyed when the church clerk left the Baptist Church and joined another faith, so little is known about that period of the church history.

PASTORS Since 1930

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August, 1977

Pastor: James Gilbreth

Deacons: John W. Hall, Jr., John W. Hall, Sr., E. H. Harp, Clarence Henry, James Yancey.

***

The photographs on the following pages show the interior and exterior of the Salem Baptist Church at Cypert. These and the other recent photographs included in this booklet were taken by Thomas E. Tappan.

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CHURCH CLERKS.

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List of Deacons that have served the Trenton Baptist Church since the organization:

James W. Scaife, C. T. Scaife, R. R. King, W. H. Porter, W. J. Scaife, Lee Price Anderson, W. J. Kirkland (x), Hugh Smith (x), A. H. Porter (x), Chas. King (x).

(x) Those still living. All are still very active in Church work, except W. J. Kirkland, who is very old and feeble.

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A SHORT HISTORY.

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The Trenton Baptist Church was organized on August 29th, 1859, and continued as a Church until 1887, when the Church was disbanded. Again on January 11th, 1891, the Church was reorganized and has been in continued existence ever since.

The first organization of the Church was composed of six members as follows: James W. Scaife, Frances Scaife, William K. Sims, Mary W. Sims, William R. Baker and Robert H. Bonner. The reorganization was composed of seven members as follows: W. H. Porter, Lee Price Anderson, T. F. Dawson, Mrs. Annia Porter, Mrs. Sallie Fisher, and Mrs. L. A. Dawson.

After a very careful reading of all the minutes available, the conclusion has been reached that the Trenton Baptist Church has passed through some very trying times in her checkered history. Adversity on all sides, but through it all consecrated hearts continued to labor and as a result were able to leave as a legacy, an established Church, true and tried.

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We quote here from the original minutes of the Church to show our readers how, when and where the organization came into existence.

“Organization: Covenant. Phillips county, Arkansas, August 29th, 1859. A number of persons holding letters of dismission from different Churches of the Baptist faith and order, met this day in the town of Trenton, in said county, to consider the propriety of organizing a Church of Jesus Christ upon the principles of the New Testament Scriptures. The object of the meeting having been explained by the Chairman, and the views and feeling of all present being fully expressed and ascertained, it was resolved, unanimously, to go into such an organization.”

We here quote from the minutes again to show our readers of the re-organization of the Church. The first minutes appear on the record book reads as follows: ‘Trenton, Ark., January 11, 1891. A number of brothers and sisters scattered abroad holding letters of dismission from different churches of the Baptist faith and order, met this day in Trenton, Ark., to again organize, and did organize a Church, composed of six members, to be known as the Trenton Baptist Church of Christ, of which Bro. Lee Price Anderson was ordained to the office of deacon of said Church, and Bro. T. F. Dawson appoined Church Clerk.”

At the time of disbandment of the Church in 1887, there were only a few who would take an active part in the Lord’s work, and these few thought they could carry the work on, so gave it up. From the re-organization with six members, the Church has grow both in size and grace until today we have forty-nine active members. We have a total membership of fifty-five, but some of them are not living within reach of the Church.

RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP.

We here give the names and dates of the present membership. The date shows the time of entry into the Church. Only resident members are listed here. You will find the nonresident membership listed below.

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Non-Resident Members of Trenton Baptist Church.

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If anyone knowing the present address of and of those listed here as “address not known,” will give same to the pastor a copy of this booklet will be mailed to them.

TRENTON LADIES’ AUXILIARY.

The Trenton Ladies’ Auxiliary was organized some time before 1908, but records are not available to establish exact date. The organization was known during this time as the Ladies’ Aid Society. In 1908 the organization became inactive and remained so until 1915. Then again in 1918 the organization became inactive and remained so until 1920. Since this time the organization has been active and has always taken a leading part in the promotion of helpful local enterprises.

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Following is a list of the officers that have served, together with the dates showing time each served:

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THE TRENTON BAPTIST CHURCH TODAY

by

Mrs. Winston Foster

PASTORS Since 1928

*

Our church has continually grown. We now have a membership of over 300. We have an Assistant Pastor, Brother Kenneth Colvert, who conducts the Children's Church in a small building which was moved onto the church property several years ago. The Children's Church is for 6th grade children down, and is well staffed for their work.

We have good Wednesday night services, and an active Women's Missionary Association, Men's Brotherhood, Girls' Auxiliary, Galileans, Sunbeams, and Baptist Training School. There is also a visitation program for both adults and children. In the winter of 1976, we built a new brick parsonage at Trenton.

***

Recent photographs of the Trenton Baptist Church and its Children's Church appear in the following pages.

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PARK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL.

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Teachers:

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ANNOUNCEMENTS.

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Services Saturday night before the Second and Fourth Sundays in each month. Also services on the Second and Fourth Sundays in the afternoon.

Sunday School each Sunday beginning at 10 o’clock.

Young People’s Training Course each Sunday evening.

A cordial and hearty welcome awaits all those who feel like coming out and being at any and all the services. Come and meet your best friends at the services of the Church. It will do you good, and also do your friends good. Come!

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PARTIAL LIST OF FORMER PASTORS.

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Eld. M. J. Day, George Brayant, William Bryant, H. W. Scott, S. D. Sawyer, J. H. Martin, J. W. Smith, the present pastor of the Church.

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Jake Breeding, Sam Breeding and A. A. Swaffer served the Church as Deacons. The two first named have gone on to their eternal reward and their works do follow them.

The following is a partial list of the clerks that have served the Church. Those followed with (x) have been called home where they now await our coming: John Coburn, J. W. Knight, Mrs. Florence Chism, Sam Breeding (x), Floyd Breeding, J. E. Breeding, Denver Breeding. J. W. Knight is the present clerk.

SHORT HISTORY.

All the available records have been searched, but nothing can be found that will throw any light on the exact date of the organization of Park Grove Baptist Church. It has been found that the Church was organized during the year 1889, but the exact date is not known.

During the period from 1889 to 1905 the people composing the church worshipped in an old school house and during the summer revival built an harbor under which to carry on their work.

The Church as an orgaization joined the Mount Vernon Association in 1895, and since that time has continued as a member of that body. Only one year this noble church was not represented in the Association, 1898.

From the observation of those who are still living, and according to their own words, the Church has passed through some very hard and trying experiences, but continued, through the stern efforts of consecrated Christian men and women, to exist as an organization, and today the Church is full of life and vigor. 1930.

After the summer revival of 1905, conducted by Elder M. J. Day, the noble men and women composing the Church decided to build a house in which they could worship. Plans were soon perfected, and the building went forward. A piece of ground was purchased from the heirs of S. A. Park. This piece of ground cost them $50.00, and the deed was signed by Mrs. S. A. Park, Lena R. Park, and T. A. Park, heirs.

According to some of the members composing the original organization, there were eighteen members when the Church was first organized.

Park Grove community, in which the Church is located, is

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one of the largest in the entire County, and can be reached from West, South and East by hard surface roads.

As we read the old Church records and see how the men of by-gone days handled the affairs of the Church, all are forced to conclude that Church organization (Organism) is a real asset to a community. During the early days of each and all of the church records that have been examined, show that each church handled petty crimes, thereby saving the community and county (taxpayers) several hundred dollars in trying such cases. These cases were brought up in church at a regular conference and disposed of without going into court and both parties returned to their homes satisfied, and in the very best of fellowship with each other. We do not have such an organization in our churches today.

Park Grove Baptist Church (1930) has a membership of 187, and is composed of the very best manhood and womanhood of Monroe county.

May God continue to bless this noble Church.

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TO CHURCH CLERKS.

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If you only knew the value of well kept records and the worthlessness of poorly kept records; if you could examine the many records of our churches and note the manner in which they have been kept, both in late and recent years, you could readily note a vast difference; if you could note the growth of our churches’ during both periods of record keeping, I believe it would be an incentive to every Church Clerk to keep his or her records up to date at all times. If you were as careless in all other matters, then what? Think this over. Give us better kept records.

Membership of Park Grove Baptist Church (1930)

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Note: It has been a very hard task to secure all the names of members belonging to the Park Grove Baptist Church, and should anyone be left off, if you will communicate with J. W. Knight, Clerk, Clarendon, Arkansas, your name will be placed on the rolls. Should anyone he left off, be assured that it was done without knowing, as we are very anxious to have all names appear on this register.

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