Humble beginnings

Elkins Community Church has a rich history of serving the community from its humble beginning in the homes of local residents to the current church building originally built in 1870.

The Elkins Community Church is a multi-denominational fellowship of Christian believers. A fellowship consisting of Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists who worship in unity as one Body of Christ. The Presbyterians organized as the White River Presbyterian Church on April 3, 1831, and met in various local residences and meeting houses from 1831 to 1853. The Baptist organized in 1831 and the Methodists sometime later.

 On September 27, 1850, Henry and Casander Snyder deeded two acres of land to James Shultz for the sole purpose of establishing a church for all denominations of Christians in good standing with their own church. This land was later deeded to David L. Hunt, R. H. Stokenbury, and T. M. Wilson who were trustees of the church.

 Originally, a log cabin called the Union Meeting House was constructed on the land.  During the Civil War, the log cabin was destroyed in a fire.  However, by 1871 church members had built a single wood frame building with a tall bell tower. This building serves as the sanctuary in the church.

 March 30, 1947, Rev J. Scott Blystone, a Baptist minister from Madison County, challenged the church congregation to expand the church building. According to an article written by Joyce Elkins in 1950, Rev Blystone said, “I dare you people to raise enough money to build the needed annex to this church.” Accepting the challenge, a Building and Finance Committee was formed with the following members. Chairman J.E. Bunch, Secretary Jack Carter, members Verd Shofner, Ted O’Neal, Oscar West, Wade Barron, and Herman Stokenbury. The church’s Women’s Club held various fund-raising events contributing over $600. Eventually, $6,000 was donated for the annex construction. On March 12, 1950, Rev Blystone returned to Elkins Community Church to dedicate the three additions.

In 1981, Elkins Community Church held a sesquicentennial celebration. Rev William S. McLean, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Arkansas led a special service with a potluck lunch following.

In 2021, the church celebrated its 190th anniversary with a special service by Rev Leslie Belden from the Presbytery of Arkansas. Many former church members gather for the special service to reminisce with memories of attending Elkins Community Church. A potluck was held afterwards to continue the time of fellowship.

   The Elkins Community Church continues to serve the community by providing a meeting place for various organizations like the Home Extension Club and Boys/Girls Scouts of America.  The church also serves as a vital link to the historical past of the Elkins township.