Our History
The Arp Methodist Episcopal Church, South was organized in 1898. In the beginning Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians held services in a new one-room school house located where Arp Intermediate School is currently located.
In 1900 the first church building was built. This building lasted until a windstorm destroyed the church building, bring sadness and disappointment to the church and community. However, it wasn't long before plans were underway to build a second white framed church. From the outset of the organization of the church, members met each Sunday for Sunday School, and celebrated worship once a month. Further, as the two other churches in the town had only part-time services, the different congregations had their preaching dates arranged as to tprovide church services for everyone who would attend for three Sundays in the month.
As the church progressed from "fourth-time" to "half-time" and then to a "full-time" charge, the church experienced growth and activity in the community. Then, during the East Texas oil boom, in 1938, a larger brick building was constructed. A matching educational building was soon added. The church continued to expereince growth and vitality. Early on the morning of October 1, 1954, an electrical storm, accompanied by a deluge of rain, swept through the town. Lightning set fire to the building and unfortunately through the fire, we lost records and a great deal of property. But where there is God's will and faithful followers, we can do great things. And with that, the church began to be restored.
As we have experienced new birth, we have continued to experience vitality and growth. We have recently built an additional wing to the church to use as a Fellowship Hall and aquired the use of an adjacent building to serve as our youth building. We are committed to using, not only the facilities of the church for the community and glory of God, but our hearts, our hands, our feet and our minds to share God's Great news with everyone we can. Our focus is not on the History of the Church, but the Future of the Kingdom. Join us.
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