GRAVETTE -- Members of the First Christian Church in Gravette are celebrating their 120th year in existence. They invite all in the area to help them mark the occasion at a birthday party on Saturday, Sept. 29. Cake and punch will be served in the church fellowship hall, beginning at 3 p.m. The church is located at 301 First Ave. S.W.
According to an early history of the church written by Herb Lewis in January 1907, the Christians of Gravette were called together by state Evangelist E.C. Browning of Little Rock early in the fall of 1896. About 20 responded and the Church of Christ was organized in Gravette with 22 charter members. At the same time that Elder Browning organized the church, he organized Sunday School, starting with an average attendance of 40 to 50 students. From the date of organization, there was preaching, Wednesday evening prayer and social service, and Sunday school in the schoolhouse.
"An attempt to organize had been made a few years earlier," Lewis' history notes, "however, owing to sparse settlement, proved a failure."
In October 1897, the Christian Church staked out a lot for building but decided to wait on construction because it was afraid the new Arkansas-Oklahoma railroad would run too close to the site.
Lewis wrote: "In the spring of 1898, 'after counting the cost,' the brethren decided to build a house of worship, and Bros. J.T. Crowe, G.A. Richardson and Geo. W. Baker were appointed as building committee. The latter as head carpenter, drawing the plans. Lumber was hauled 10 miles with teams loaned by friends and neighbors. S. Jenkins donated two teams and Bro. Richardson one team. The people of Gravette donated freely, Sister Justice raised nearly $40.00 with entertainments, the Brethren at Bentonville responded well, J.D. Covey donated the Church lot. Maysville assisted, the Ladies Aid raised some funds and a loan of $200.00 was secured from the Church Extension Fund."
The church was built on Lot #1, Block #22, of the original plat of Gravette, and completed, except for the seats, in September 1898 at a cost of $400. Lots #2 and #3, Block #22 were bought Sept. 7, 1906, for $100 for the church parsonage. The house was completed for occupancy in December 1906 at a cost of $400. The fence was built around the parsonage in January 1907.
In July 1909, the church building was painted and concrete sidewalks were built around the building. In October 1915, an article in the Gravette News Herald stated, "The Ladies Aid is instrumental in the erection of an addition to the Christian Church and several other improvements." Classrooms were added in 1939, and the frame building was covered with stucco. The interior of the church was redecorated with new rugs, furniture, paint and varnish in April 1950, and a new concrete floor was put in the vestibule.
At a board meeting on June 27, 1951, church members voted to build an annex to the church for a parsonage, kitchen, dining room, classrooms and nursery. The old parsonage had been sold. The two-story addition was dedicated the first Sunday in 1952. The parsonage apartment on the second floor was completed in 1954.
The original pews that had been made by some of the early members from native walnut lumber were refinished and are still in use. The clear glass windows were replaced with stained glass.
The church has had a total of 48 pastors, including the current pastor, Donald Miller.
Community on 09/19/2018