When Kara Haile Spence, a director of the White County Historical Society, was cleaning out old files at St. Paul United Methodist church in Searcy in the spring of 2002, she found the following newspaper article. The date, author and publication are unknown but the “present pastor” mentioned, T.C. Chambliss, served the congregation in 1923-24 and again in 1938.
T
he early settlers of that part of White County known as Searcy Valley brought with them profound religious convictions as well as a keen appreciation of the importance of making the church the center of the community life. The first half of the 19th century was so sparsely settled it was necessary to erect buildings for Union Religious purposes. The first building of this kind of which we have any record was located a mile northeast ofIn addition to the cash subscriptions the people gave liberally of their time towards the construction of the building, which was completed and dedicated in 1857.
For about a half a century, it was known as Smyrna
circuit, there being joined to it from one to
six other churches. During that period of time it commanded some
of the outstanding preachers of the White River conference, such as John W.
Boswell, R.G. Brittain, George A. Dannelly, J.M. Talkington, Z.T. Bennett, Dr.
John H. Dye. It is now a part of the
West Searcy charge, Rev. T.C. Chambliss is the present pastor. Dr. Bennett was called to preach while a
member of this church and quarterly conference records show that he received
his license to preach by the official board of Smyrna. This church has stood as a bulwark of
strength for better Christian living for over 80 years and remains yet a
gathering place for religious service in that community. Many of the original donors and early
settlers are sleeping in the graveyard near it. After the passing of the early members of this church, the
responsibility fell on such men as G.W. Dobbins, T.B. King Jr., who still live
in the community, and many other such men.
A good Sunday school was maintained under the superintendency of Miss Euna Dobbins and others. vvv