History of First Baptist Church of Pottsville

On October, 14 1883, founders met at the site of the first church building one mile east of Pottsville and adopted the Articles of the Church Covenant. They elected E.D. Landers the first Pastor and resolved to call the Church "New Prospect." In 1886, the name was changed to Potts Station Baptist Church and the Church relocated within the city limits. After purchasing land in January 1913, a new brick building was erected. It became known as Pottsville Baptist Church. From 1890 to 1930 this was one of the larger churches in the Arkansas River Valley. In the 1930s, because of a disturbed fellowship within the Church, the ministry became inactive. This is an example of a once strong vigorous Church destroyed by internal strive.

1 Corinthians 1:10 "Now I plead with you, brethern, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgements."

Matther 16:18 Jesus said... "on this rock I willbuild my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

On July 12, 1961 the mission committee of First Baptist Church of Russellville was led to began a mission church at Pottsville. On October 1, 1961 services resumed with Rev. Herman Hurd as mission pastor. The Pottsville Baptist Mission meet in the home of Mrs. Luke Duffield, Jr. February 22, 1962 in a special session. The Organization Day Service was explained and plans were made to become a church. The Pottsville Baptist Church, with 28 charter members, was organized March 4, 1962.

In 1972 the church voted to replace the 1913 Church Structure due to repair and space with a new Educational Building. The first service was held in the Education Building on November 12, 1972. Plans were also made to build a new Church Sanctuary on the eastern side of the Education Building. This Sanctuary was completed and dedicated to the Lord Jesus on May 30, 1976. On January 10, 1990 the name Pottsville Baptist was changed to First Baptist Church of Pottsville.

Acts 2:47 "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

With the Lord adding to the Church, in October 2003, First Baptist Church of Pottsville voted to build an new activity building that would serve as a fellowship hall and ministry building. In March 2007, the activity building served as the Worship Center as the Sanctuary underwent major renovations that were completed in July 2007.

Philippians 3:12 "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me"

The History of First Baptist Church of Pottsville will continue until the Lord Jesus Christ returns. Are history is not about buildings; however, it is about people. Those faithful people 1883, 1961, 1972 and it is about YOU.

We are reminded in God's word: 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you know that YOU are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dewells in you?
	First Baptist Church of Pottsville is here to help you find your purpose in Christ and fulfill His purpose for your life.

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

"Let it be said of us...that our heritage is a blessing for Life"

Charter Members, Pottsville Baptist Church, 1962