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Little River Missionary Baptist Church was founded November 18, 1928


Article from the Town Crier: Manila Arkansas June 7, 2005

A group of people met November 18, 1928 at the Lost Cane school house to consider the organization of a Missionary Baptist Church in the community. Those early organizers were Mr. and Mrs. M.I. Stutts, Mr. and Mrs. S.L. McCann, F.L. Bourland, Ed Bourland, Betty Bourland, Lena Bourland, Lestie(Stutts)Slater and Exie (Stutts) Lewis, Elder J.F. Manning was elected Moderator and S.L. McCann clerk.

Little River was the name chosen for the new church. The first year saw 20 additions to the church under the leadership of Brother Manning. A year later Little River Baptist Church ordained its first four deacons. M.I. Stutts, S.L. McCann, E.B. Bourland, and T.A. Bourland.

 During this time it was decided that a building was needed and a committe was appointed to locate a site. A site had to be selected and purchased before the work could begin. The problem was solved with the donation of the land by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Veach. The original site was located on the west side of the road but due to the extreme muddy conditions of the selected site, it was changed to the east side.

December 6, 1932 was the day designated to cut and haul logs to build the church. The builing began in May 1933 with A.C. Owens serving as foreman. Brother J.C. Richie, pastor, was in charge of the labor force. All labor was donated and the ladies of the church prepared and served meals to the workers.

The Church grew and in 1946 a parking lot was made and in 1947 the church decided to add Sunday school rooms. 1950 saw a great revival in the church with 49 additions. Brother Roy Ward, who preached this revival, was callind in 1951 to be the first full time pastor. The church rented a house in the community for him. A parsonage was buitl the same year.

In 1975 the church added the fellowship hall with a kitchen. With the additional room they were able to start a children's church.

The present deacons are Jimmy Baugher, J.R. Dobbs, and Randy Veach. G.W. Endicott serves as interim pastor.

June 7, 2005


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