History

First Baptist Church of Heber Springs has a long and storied history.  Mel Latch, a youth at First Baptist, compiled some of the highlights of our history.  We encourage you to pick up the book Upon This Rock by Charlsie B. Little.  Copies can be obtained at the church office.

 

  • When the township of Sugarloaf Springs (later called Heber Springs) was first founded, all citizens met for one church service in the courthouse.
  • In the year of 1885, the various denominations began to notice the need for their own worship services.  So, they took turns meeting in the courthouse until their own buildings were erected. 
  • M. T. Webb led the early members (all 15 of them) as they purchased a lot for $15 and started their building. 
  • The church developed and grew under the leadership of various pastors, including: Rev. E.P.J. Garrot, who involved the church in various community affairs; Rev. Theo T. James, who led the church through the trying years of the Depression; and Rev. Walter Hill who helped the church to expand their music program. 
  • In 1968, the church made a major decision.  They decided that a new building would be a great asset to the ministry and had decided to build.  A campaign titled “Together We Build” was begun and the church sought to buy the surrounding lots, rather than to move to a different (less central) location. 
  • Today, the church is under the leadership of: 
    • J.R. Debusk (pastor)
    • John Kurtz (music minister)
    • Shane Kennard (youth minister)
    • Darrell Wilkinson (children and family minister)