History, Part 1, By Mrs. Earl Hairston and Mrs. G. H. King
Published by The Eagle Democrat, Warren, Arkansas April 5, 1951
The Baptist Church was established in 1868. Mrs. W. W. Hughey, Mrs. Mary Mack, Mrs. A. C. Jones, and Mrs. C. C. Gannaway were leaders. In 1868 these four devout women conceived the idea of organizing a Baptist Church in the little village of Warren, Arkansas.
Eight was the minimum number required to perfect the organization of a Baptist Church, so these good women secured the services of Bro. B. C. Hyatt of Monticello, Arkansas to hold a revival meeting. Joining them were Dr. C. E. Gannaway, Judge Mack and A. C. Jones. One member was yet required so they went into the country and invited Asberry Coker to cast his lot with them, which he did and the church was organized.
Bro. Hyatt was chosen as their first pastor. (Some of these people came from Ebenezer Baptist church, Ebenezer church is the Mother Church of Warren First Baptist).
All denominations held services in the old court house for a long time after their church was organized.
After three years of worship in the court house this little band of Baptist had gained several members and felt that it was time to build a meeting place of their own. So in 1871 the building was erected on the site, or near the site of Roddey Grocery, now Ernest Hankins' Firestone Store.
Bro. Moran followed Bro. Hyatt as pastor and he in turn was succeeded by Bro. Rasberry.
Bro. Soloman Gardner (Mrs. R. L. Wardlaw's grandfather) was the next pastor. He also was pastor of several rural churches and like many other pioneer preachers lived a life of sacrifice that he might carry the message to the lost.
Reprinted with permission of The Eagle Democrat, Warren, Arkansas.
Many thanks to Edith Castleberry for sharing this article with us.
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