A Brief History (Story) of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ
Compiled by Floyd Brands (2005)
Revised and updated: April 2007, February 2008, August 2009, October 2015, January 2026 (update by Rich Amick), March 2026 (revision by Rich Amick)
Intro: The Prairie Grove Church of Christ has a rich history shaped by faith, perseverance, and the dedication of its members. From its beginnings in 1936 to its peak attendance before the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregation has experienced seasons of growth, challenge, and renewal. Like many churches, Prairie Grove felt the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and attendance declined afterward as several young families did not return, leaving a congregation now composed largely of older members with weekly attendance in the 60s to 70s. Even so, the church continues to worship, serve, and encourage one another with steadfast commitment. This updated history brings together the major milestones of the church’s story, including recent developments, to preserve our shared heritage and strengthen future generations.
Table of Contents
- Beginnings (1936)
- The First Building (1952)
- Growth and the 1979 Brick Building
- Ministers, 1986–2008
- Property Expansion and Financial Growth
- Family Life Center (2007–2008)
- Debt-Free Again (2015)
- A New Chapter (2016)
- The COVID‑19 Disruption (2020–2021)
- Facilities Update (January 2026)
- Continuing the Mission
Beginnings (1936)
Early Families
The congregation began after evangelistic meetings in Springdale and Fayetteville in 1936. Three families—Edward and Mildred Broyles, John and Ollie Reinold, and the Estes family—began meeting together. Robert and Mrs. McKnight joined later that year.
Early Meeting Places
The group met in the American Legion Hut, paying $1.50 per month for electricity and heating the building with wood they supplied.
Early Preachers
Preachers were provided by the Fayetteville congregation when possible, including Bobby Barnett, George Broyles, D. B. Herbard, Eugene Henderson, and C. E. Johnson.
The First Building (1952)
Purchasing the Lot
In 1948 the congregation purchased a lot at 309 E. Parks Street and poured a foundation.
Construction and First Service
Construction began in 1952 using donated labor and materials. The first service was held on December 7, 1952, with attendance averaging around twenty.
First Elders and Deacons
During Roe Meader’s ministry, the first elders and deacons were appointed:
Elders: Edward Broyles, Jack McClelland
Deacons: Virgil Bradley, Robert N. McKnight, Orvil Sisemore
Ministers of the 1950s–1970s
Ministers included Guy M. Couch (1957–58), Ray King (1958–62), several short-term preachers, Oris Salyer (1968–74), and John R. Dockery (1975–86).
Growth and the 1979 Brick Building
Attendance and Giving in the 1960s–1970s
Attendance reached the sixties by the late 1960s. A 1969 bulletin recorded 102 in attendance with a contribution of $156.07. In 1974, the monthly income was $773.84.
Expansion of Property
Additional lots were purchased on Parks and Pittman Streets.
Bond Program and Construction
In 1978, the congregation launched a bond program to build the current brick building for $174,468. It was occupied on November 25, 1979. The bond was paid off early in 1992.
Ministers, 1986–2008
Ministerial Timeline
Leon Glenn (1986–1991)
Bill Hooten (1991–2001)
Flavel R. Yeakley Jr. (interim, 2001–2002)
Charles Jackson (2003–2006)
Craig Laird (2007)
David L. Pratt (beginning 2008)
Congregational Growth
By 2006, the congregation averaged 90 in attendance; by 2007, the average was 111, with weekly contributions averaging $2,060.
Property Expansion and Financial Growth
Property Purchases (1998 & 2001)
Two houses south of the building were purchased in 1998 and 2001 for about $125,000 and paid off by July 22, 2005.
Financial Milestones (2005–2007)
By 2005, net assets were approximately $612,418. Attendance and contributions continued to rise through 2007.
Family Life Center (2007–2008)
Planning and Construction
Planning began in early 2007. Construction started in September 2007, and the building was completed in May 2008.
Cost and Funding
Although the total cost exceeded $400,000, only $325,000 had to be borrowed due to savings and donations.
Impact on Ministries
The congregation continued supporting mission works and even expanded them during this period.
Debt-Free Again (2015)
Special Contribution
A special contribution in November 2015 paid off the remaining debt on the Family Life Center.
New Opportunities
This opened new possibilities for expanded ministry and mission work.
A New Chapter (2016)
Full-Time Minister
At the start of 2016, Bill Hooten accepted the role of full-time minister.
Congregational Responsibility
The update emphasized that evangelism is the responsibility of the entire congregation.
The COVID‑19 Disruption (2020–2021)
Temporary Suspension of In‑Person Worship
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, state and national guidelines required social distancing and limited gatherings. The Prairie Grove Church of Christ suspended in‑person worship for a period of time to protect members and comply with health recommendations.
Impact on Attendance
When in‑person services resumed, several members did not return immediately—resulting in a noticeable decline in attendance.
Continuing Faithfulness
Despite challenges, the congregation continued to worship, serve, and encourage one another, adapting as needed.
Facilities Update (January 2026)
Carpet Replacement
The original carpet in the auditorium and classrooms was removed and replaced.
LVP Installation
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was installed in the foyer, nursery, and fellowship room.
Interior Enhancements
Updated pictures were hung in the foyer and fellowship room.
—Update by Rich Amick
Continuing the Mission
From its beginnings in 1936 to the present, the Prairie Grove Church of Christ has grown through faith, generosity, and a shared commitment to serving the Lord and the community. “Let us continue to strive to fulfill our Mission, ‘To serve our Lord and this community to the glory of God.’”
A Note About the Nature of the Church
As we reflect on the history of the Prairie Grove church of Christ, it is important to remember that the church is not an institution that remains the same across decades simply because a name or location remains the same. In Scripture, the ekklesia refers to a living body of people called out by God, joined to Christ, and sustained by His grace. Because the church is an organism, not an organization, it is always shaped by the people who make it up in each generation.
The congregation that first met in 1936 is not the same group of believers who gather today, even though we share their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and their desire to serve God in this community. Our story is not the story of a fixed institution but of a living people whom God continues to call, form, and build up in every season. The history recorded here honors those who came before us, while recognizing that the true life of the church is found in the people God gathers in every generation.
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