A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN MABELVALE

Adapted from Ad Venable
    The Lord's church in Mabelvale began meeting in three different homes in the late 1930's.  It was sometime in the early 1940's that the Mabelvale church of Christ began meeting in a one room building on two lots which was located on the corner of Main and Third Street.  With the aid of the church of Christ that met at Fourth and State Street in Little Rock, Arkansas, whose minister was brother E.R. Harper at the time, they encouraged the first few Christians that met and faithfully carried on the work of the Lord at this place.
    The first members numbered about twelve.  In 1944, two were added to the Church in a three night gospel meeting.  Soon after there was one more added to the church.  These faithful few met for about two years with a few visitors and had classes with a visiting preacher about every other Sunday.
     In 1946 the building was paid for, but due to the moving away of some members, the doors were closed and the key left in possession of the Fourth and State Street Church.  Later a "For Sale" sign was put up in the yard.  Soon after this, thanks to brother W. R. Arnold and Leander Hendricks the doors were opened again.  In 1947, brother Arnold and brother Hendricks had young preachers come from Harding.  Soon after brother Earnest Martin came to preach regularly.  He and his good wife labored with this church for about three years.
    The church began to grow as more Christians moved into the area.
    The first elders were elected.  They were A. R. Lamb, William D. Morris, W. R. Arnold and Vol Rowlett.  The first deacons were Larmon VanWinkle, Maurice Victory, Ward Venable and Harold Myers.
     In 1950 brother H. W. Robertson and family came to worship and brother Robertson was engaged to preach regularly and served for eleven years and seven months.  The Lord's church was growing too large for the small building so plans were made to buy more property.  In 1958 a decision was made to purchase the land on Mabelvale West Road.  Bonds were sold and the new building was under construction.
    Sunday, November 6, 1960 at 3:00 p.m.  Open House was held in the new building, followed by a six night gospel meeting with brother Goebel Music doing the preaching.  Souls were added.  This building is a part of the church property today.
    In 1962 Brother Clinton Elliot came to preach.  At this time a preacher's home was purchased, located near the building, where Southwest Hospital is now located.
    In September 1963 brother George Salyer came as the new full time minister.  He served here four years.  Other full-time ministers include Ray Beeson (1967-1973), Paul Kidwell (1973-1979), Arnold Sexton (1979-1989) and Dennis Gulledge (1989-present).  Associate ministers include Charles Jackson, Steve McIntosh, Paul Prescott, Everette McAnally, Daniel F. Cates, Patrick Morrison and Scott Perry.
    We currently have six elders:  John B. Boyd, Dale Morris, Harold Pigue,Gene Sullivan, Roger Horton and Bill Boyd.  We are served by thirteen deacons:  Ray Bryan, John Griffin, Brad Horton, Jim Howell, Timmon King, Jim Mauldin, Waymon Minor, Mike Moore, Gary Poole, Ken Sullivan, Dave Tollett, Jim Wallace, and Rick Wooldridge.
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