1881:
Arbor Springs Missionary Baptist Church was organized on September 3, 1881 and was constituted under the ministry of Rev. W. J. Miller, its first pastor.
Arbor Springs Missionary Baptist Church was organized on September 3, 1881 and was constituted under the ministry of Rev. W. J. Miller, its first pastor.
1895:
Initially, the church was a part of the New River Association but joined Sipsey Baptist Association on July 14, 1895.
Initially, the church was a part of the New River Association but joined Sipsey Baptist Association on July 14, 1895.
1946:
The church served as a schoolhouse when the Samantha Junior High School burned. The church was used for about two months.
The church served as a schoolhouse when the Samantha Junior High School burned. The church was used for about two months.
1956:
The church upgraded to electric lights from old lanterns and gas heat replaced the old pot-bellied stove.
The church upgraded to electric lights from old lanterns and gas heat replaced the old pot-bellied stove.
1958-1959:
Sunday School rooms were built by community volunteers from the church and community. A dedication of these rooms was held on April 12, 1959.
Sunday School rooms were built by community volunteers from the church and community. A dedication of these rooms was held on April 12, 1959.
1976:
The cemetery was incorporated for the purpose of perpetual care and the equity of grave site selection. The church deeded the land to the corporation maintaining it now.
The cemetery was incorporated for the purpose of perpetual care and the equity of grave site selection. The church deeded the land to the corporation maintaining it now.
2003:
The church erected a metal building behind the sanctuary to serve as a fellowship hall and activity building. In 2004, the building was completed and Dr. Ted Sessoms was called that same year.
The church erected a metal building behind the sanctuary to serve as a fellowship hall and activity building. In 2004, the building was completed and Dr. Ted Sessoms was called that same year.
2017:
Dr. Ted Sessoms retired in August 2017 after 13 1/2 years. Rev. Michael Griffin was called and began serving in February 2018.
Dr. Ted Sessoms retired in August 2017 after 13 1/2 years. Rev. Michael Griffin was called and began serving in February 2018.
2020:
During the COVID pandemic, Arbor Springs started out with "drive up church" in the parking lot, then had some attendees in the metal building where they could space out, and some watched the service in the orginal sanctuary via internet streaming. Eventually, as COVID lessened, the church liked the larger meeting space of the metal building and decided to keep the morning services there. The Sunday evening worship services and Wednesday evening Bible Studies were still held in the original sanctuary.
During the COVID pandemic, Arbor Springs started out with "drive up church" in the parking lot, then had some attendees in the metal building where they could space out, and some watched the service in the orginal sanctuary via internet streaming. Eventually, as COVID lessened, the church liked the larger meeting space of the metal building and decided to keep the morning services there. The Sunday evening worship services and Wednesday evening Bible Studies were still held in the original sanctuary.
2024:
Kurt Porter, who served as Music Director since 2011, retired on March 24, 2024. Dr. Pat Powell was called March 3, 2024 as Pastor. Bro. Brad Hartsfield was called April 28, 2024 as Associate Pastor of Family Ministries.
Kurt Porter, who served as Music Director since 2011, retired on March 24, 2024. Dr. Pat Powell was called March 3, 2024 as Pastor. Bro. Brad Hartsfield was called April 28, 2024 as Associate Pastor of Family Ministries.
