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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Oldest Church In Arkansas Dates Back To The 1800s And You Need To See It

Smyrna Methodist Church, the oldest church building in Arkansas, is a historic gem with roots dating back to the mid-1800s and has undergone extensive restoration.

Published Dec 19, 2018

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

Fascinating pieces of history are all throughout the state, but this particular place is quite noteworthy. The oldest church building in Arkansas can be found near Searcy. Smyrna Methodist Church was founded in the mid-1800s but it's history goes back even further than you think. Let's admire this historic state treasure as we learn more about the structure.

The Smyrna Methodist Church may look like any other small town place of worship but don't be deceived, it's truly a historic gem.

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Wikipedia

The church has gone through extensive restoration but it is the oldest church building in Arkansas. It resides east of Center Hill at 101-158 Jaybird Ln., Searcy, AR 72143.

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Even the photos of the church are historic treasures.

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Facebook/White County Historical Society

This particular snapshot is the oldest known photo of the church. It was taken back in 1915!

The Greek Revival-style church is one of the few surviving buildings from pre-Civil War era.

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Facebook/White County Historical Society

Construction of Smyrna began in 1854 and was officially founded in 1856.

The recent restorations to the church are what spearheaded an entirely new discovery.

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Facebook/White County Historical Society

During substructure restorations, the church was lifted off of the ground to reveal quite a surprise: an old white oak stump. Samples of it as well as the wood from various parts of the church were taken and examined by Fayetteville's U of A Tree Ring Laboratory. Most of the church's wood was indeed from that white oak tree and some nearby trees as well. Thanks to the core samples, we now know the lumber used in the church's construction began growing in 1614.

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Today the church is used as a teaching tool and rental space.

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Google/Liz Smith

Local historical societies hold meetings in the church and it has been a featured location for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. The church can also be rented out for private events like weddings. Who wouldn't want to declare their vows in such a sacred piece of history? If you'd like to learn more about rentals and such, visit this site.

Have you visited this historic church? Share your impression and thoughts with us in the comments below!

If this brief history lesson made you hungry, continue east to this BBQ joint that's been serving meals for over 50 years.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Incredible Church In Arkansas That Has Been Left In Ruins

Published Mar 28, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you've driven through Helena at the corner of York and Columbia Street, chances are you've seen the Centennial Baptist Church. This gorgeous church was once a prominent place for community members to gather and worship. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this church is now in ruins. However, the legacy of this abandoned church in Arkansas still lives on. Here at OIYS, we love to cover historical places and tell the stories of Arkansas' rich history.

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Built in 1905, the Centennial Baptist Church is a gorgeous Gothic-style Revival that reflects architectural excellence. The brainchild of Henry James Price, a church parishioner, it's the only building in Arkansas designed by an African American architect.

Historic brick church with arched windows and a tall steeple, set against a clear blue sky.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Starting in 1879, with the leadership of renowned Pastor Elias Camp Morris, this historical church became a prominent place for the community to worship. As pastor, Morris grew the congregation to more than 1,000 members and remained pastor until his death in 1922.

Sign for Centennial Baptist Church, detailing its history and significance in the African American community.
Dave Wilson/Google

Eventually, it became the headquarters for the National Baptist Convention, USA, which was an organization established by Morris.

The church was eventually abandoned in 2003, and in 2020, tornados passed through the area and as you can see, a big chunk of the church suffered significant damages. Of course, this didn't help with chances of restoration.

A damaged church with a collapsed roof, surrounded by greenery and a street, with a police car nearby.
Courtvonderhaas, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

While efforts were being made to preserve the structure, the storm was a major setback. No repairs have been done since, so the church still sits with the gaping hole and left in ruins.

A historic church in disrepair, with a nearby informational sign, set against a cloudy sky and empty street.
Dave Wilson/Google

It's sad to see this legendary church in the state that it's in. Thankfully, due to its significance, it was placed on the National Historical Places in 1987 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

A dilapidated church with a collapsed roof, surrounded by a fence, on a rainy street.
Dave Wilson/Google

Over the years, nature has reclaimed the space. But I find something quite beautiful seeing this Gothic building adorned with the growing vines.

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Abandoned brick building with ivy-covered towers and a partially collapsed roof under a blue sky with clouds.
Joe Spake/Google

The next time you find yourself driving through Helena, be sure to stop by this abandoned church and think about its rich history and the incredible legacy it has left behind.

Abandoned building covered in ivy, with a damaged roof, surrounded by overgrown grass and a chain-link fence.
Google Maps

Did you know about this abandoned church in Arkansas? If so, share with us what you know. Learn more about Centennial Baptist Church by visiting the Preserve Arkansas website.

Love to explore abandoned places? Here's a road trip featuring some more abandoned places in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/abandoned-ar-road-trip/

Or check out this website with some historical places in Arkansas that are worth visiting.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Crossing This 150-Year-Old Bridge In Arkansas Is Like Walking Through History

Published Feb 1, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

As the oldest remaining iron bowstring truss bridge in Arkansas, you can only imagine the amount of history tied to the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge. Built in 1874 to link Springfield to the steamboat hub of Des Arc, this 150-year-old relic has stood the test of time. And after flooding, fires, vandalism, and more, this bridge has lived on to tell its story. Let’s head to Beaverfork Park Lake in Conway to stroll across this historic bridge in Arkansas.

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From a distance, this well constructed arch bridge sitting over Lake Beaverfork looks pretty normal. But what you may not know is that this bridge is the oldest of its kind in Arkansas.

Aerial view of a serene lake with a bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and lily pads.
Johnny Hooper, GRI/Google

Originally built in 1874 over Cadron Creek in Faulkner-Conway County, the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge has experienced a lot throughout its 150+year history.

A black and white photo of a bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.
Taft, Louise T.Related names:King, ZenasKing Bridge Manufactory and Iron WorksPreston, George B, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The bridge was constructed to connect Springfield to the steamboat port on the White River. So, of course, it became a popular route for folks traveling in the area.

However, from the time it was constructed until 1982, the bridge was damaged by extreme flooding. Attempts were made to save the bridge, and it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

An old, abandoned arch bridge surrounded by lush green trees and overgrown vegetation.
Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after restoration efforts were made in 1991, the bridge began to decay and was eventually vandalized with graffiti and fires. Luckily, in 2011, Faulkner County Historical Society and Workin' Bridges of Grinnell Iowa coordinated efforts for a final rescue of this significant bridge.

An old, rusty bridge spans a calm river, with sunlight filtering through trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
Josh C/Google

It was restored and relocated to Beaverfork Lake Park in Conway, where it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Aerial view of a serene lake with a boat ramp, grassy areas, and wooded surroundings on a sunny day.
Conway, Arkansas, City of Colleges/Facebook

Today, fully renovated and used only for pedestrian traffic, this historic bridge has a lot of life left in it. And if you ask us, it's worth a visit.

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A rusted metal bridge arches over a calm lake, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.
Teresa Gorecke/Google

So, plan a day trip to Beaverfork Lake Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more. And while you're there, stroll across this timeless relic and read about its tumultuous but fascinating history.

Two people in a kayak on a calm lake, with a sandy beach and greenery in the background.
Tammie Hunn/Google

The Springfield-Des Arc Bridge is truly one of Arkansas’ treasured gems.

So, what do you think about this historic bridge in Arkansas? Have you had a chance to stroll across this 150-year-old relic? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

And if you plan a trip to see the bridge, we found a great hotel in Conway that's less than 10 minutes away from the park.

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