Chapter 2 - Slicer Street Church of Christ

CHAPTER TWO: THE PATCHWORK YEARS
1924-1936
The history of a congregation of the church is not limited to the tenure of preachers. Yet the
tenure of preachers is a good way of keeping track of a church’s time line. This is not
intended to place too much emphasis on men who publicly lead the church, but it is to note
that we all measure a church’s activities by who happened to be the preacher at the time. It
is usually true, after all, that what history is recorded of the church is what is left behind by
the preachers who were there. With that being the case, we now enter the years between
1924 and 1936 with a difficult task–finding the story line with no particular person leaving a
trail behind for us to follow.
Nothing seems to have happened with the church, at least of public note, for quite some
time.1 But a notice appeared in the paper of September 19, 1925 concerning an area
meeting:
The Church of Christ at Rector will begin a revival meeting on Friday
evening of this week, September 18. The Rev. Chas. R. Nichol of Clifton,
Texas, a powerful speaker, will be in charge of and conduct the revival.
An arber is being constructed to take care of the large crowds which are
expected to attend. A general invitation is extended to the public to
attend these meetings.
C. R. Nichol
Senath was still active in publicizing its services, but
until February of 1925, nothing was written about the Kennett church.
Then it was announced that Rev. R. E. Black of Rector would preach at
the Church of Christ, corner of Fourth and Slicer streets on Saturday
night, Sunday, and Sunday night, February 14 and 15.2
The newspaper then sponsored a push for people to attend church more
often. Each week the attendance figures were shown. On February 17,
four churches had their figures listed but the Church of Christ was
omitted. Starting on February 20 the Church of Christ was included.
1
The church gave $10 to Harding College in December of 1924, helped orphans with a
contribution in May of 1925, gave money to a couple of people in need, and paid Brother
Dies for preaching in December of 1925.
2
He was paid $10 for his preaching services.
21
The following numbers were shown with the headline AAverage Attendance at All Churches
Exceeds 100.@
Sunday School (no figure)
AM: 93
PM: 106
On the 24th it was shown that rain had kept the numbers for all churches down. A special
paragraph was devoted to AChurch of Christ notes.@ It noted that they had 30 and the
offering was $6.85. In addition, Athe verse contest which was scheduled for this time was
postponed until next Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o=clock.@
Then a rather strange notice appeared. In May
1, 1925, on the third page of the paper, the
members of the church of Christ on Fourth
and Slicer made a request.
Old Stucco Building
We ask the public to refrain from crossing the
corner of the church lot. They are trying to
get it set to grass, and the continued crossing
of the lot by pedestrians makes this impossible
and mars the looks of the premises.
In June 26, 1925 it was announced that Antioch and Cardwell churches were joining for a
meeting on the church grounds at Cardwell with Brother Price Billingsley. This was the
final piece of Church of Christ information for 1925.
In January 1926, Rev. Dies of Senath preached in Kennett.4 The Church publicized this
after-the-fact, saying the public Aought to have heard him,@ for he was excellent. The normal
services consisted of Bible study on Wednesday nights and Brother Dies, as a Asplendid
teacher,@ would lead the study. Any student would learn a great deal Afrom his explanation
of the Scriptures.@ This was expanded in the April 2, 1926 edition. Sunday School took
place every Lord=s day morning at 10 with communion services at 11. Bible study was every
Wednesday beginning at 7:45. Brother A. D. Dies of Senath “is well qualified,” it said, “to
teach and he does so every Wednesday evening.” For April 7 the lesson was from
Revelation 3:14-22.
As for children, the teacher of the primary class was Miss Lora James. She gave her pupils a
3
C. B. Thomas wrote to the paper asking that they tell of a revival meeting at his church that
was to begin April 12 and last until April 26. He wanted to see all of the former Dunklin
County people at his church any time. He was preaching at the Maple Avenue Church of
Christ in Flint, Michigan.
4
For 1926 Brother Dies was paid $25 a month.
22
contest on Bible reading and gave three prizes for the ones who read the most verses. Louise
Jaques won first, reading the whole Bible. She was only 10 Aand sure can read the Bible.@
Cad James was second, reading 20,000 verses. Carl James took third with 5,000 verses.
The contest began the 2nd Lord=s day in January, ending the last Lord=s day in March. The
article ended with the admonition: AEverybody should come and hear the good lessons on
the Bible. We can=t learn too much about God and our duty to our fellow man.@
Another simple reminder appeared on April 9, 1926.5 Then on August 15 the church held a
revival. On August 13, the following information appeared:
The Church of Christ at Kennett at their church on Fourth and Slicer Streets will
begin a series of meetings August 15, with A. D. Dies of Senath doing the preaching.
The public is cordially invited to attend all of these services. All neighboring
congregations are asked to make a special effort to come and help in these services.
According to notes from the Senath area on September 3, Aeveryone is pleased with the
interest the people of Kennett took in that meeting.@ Dies then took off to Flint, Michigan
for a series of meetings.
A year later, on August 9, 1927, Rev Black
of Rector held a meeting at the Bark Camp
School house. Then in October of 1927,
“Rev. Laird,” now of Fort Smith, Arkansas,
preached at the Church of Christ in Senath.
A week later more information was given.
Laird was serving as president of the
orphans home in Fort Smith. This was all
the Church of Christ news that was reported
in the Dunklin Democrat until December 2, James Laird
when Mrs. Lillie Edith Hatcher passed
away. Her services were held in the church building by M. S.
Mason, who was holding a revival near Rector.
R. E. Black in 1963 as
Freed Hardeman
In 1928, little information is given. In March an announcement was
board member
made that a former Dunklin County couple was married in Pontiac,
Michigan. They were married by C. B. Thomas, minister for the Church of Christ in
Pontiac. On May 4 of 1928 the obituary of John S. Warthan appeared. He died at the age
of 79 and at one time preached for the Church of Christ. He lived in Kennett for 12 years
5
The records merely show a normal flow of life for the church. Lawn mowing was $1.50
each time, literature was purchased from Gospel Advocate, the light bill was $1.50. In June
of 26 there was interest paid on the cost of paving. Communion wine cost about $.60 every
two weeks.
23
but moved a few times after that, dying in Caruth. June 8 provided a notice that Thetus
Pritchard, who had been at Freed Hardeman, passed by Kennett in order to get to his new
preaching position at Senath Church of Christ. In October it was announced that W. E.
Moore from the orphanage at Fort Smith, AR would preach on Wednesday and Thursday at
the Bark Camp Church of Christ.6
In 1929, C. B. Thomas came back to Holcomb to conduct the funeral of Mrs. Flora Goad
Snow. In September Rev. Henry held a two-week revival at the Nimmons Church of Christ.
In November, a truck from the Arkansas Christian Home of Fort Smith came to Kennett to
receive donations for the home. Those in charge of gathering these were: L. R. Jones, V. L.
Nations, C. E. Jaques, and W. L. Driver. Finally, in December a special announcement
appeared:
A special meeting under the direction of Rev. A. H.
Lannom of Union City, Tennessee, was started Sunday
night at the Church of Christ, 4th and Slicer Sts. The
meeting will continue through New Years Day. Services
will be held each night at 7 o=clock. There will be a
special Christmas service at 11:00 Christmas morning.7
From back to front, left to right:
Marvin, Larimore, Wright, Lessie,
A.H., and Vergie Lannom
On December 27 it was said that the meeting continued
with good success. The subjects discussed included:
AWhat Must I Do to Be Saved?@; AWhat is the >one
baptism=?@; ARender Unto Ceasar the things that are
Caesar=s@; and ARegeneration.@ People were encouraged
to attend and ask questions, being assured that Athe
convictions of others shall always be respected.@ On
December 31 one more subject was added: AIf anyone
6
In April 1928 the church made a payment to the orphans home and in July 1928 they made a
payment on the paving. Otherwise, normal costs were listed and no preachers appear in the
records. In October, November, and December, a Brother Bradbard (?) was paid each
month, though no indication is given for why.
7
Lannom’s name was spelled many different ways in the paper and church records. This
history corrected them most of the time. Andrew Hugh Lannom was born in 1882 and died
in 1952. He attended Freed Hardeman College and preached in Tennessee and Illinois. He
once held a meeting for the new “Samburg” congregation on the hill where “Mason Hall”
was. He used a question box to encourage questions that he would answer. One night he
took out a paper on which was written, “Leave town or this is what will happen to you.” He
showed it to the people and responded, “I’m staying down the road at Brother Gantlett’s
place in the front bedroom and the door will not be locked.” People tried to get him to lock
the door or accept a guard. He refused and the meeting progressed without interruption.
24
goes to Hell from this city, who is to blame and who cares?@ It was submitted by A. H.
Lannom.8
There was another period of silence following this which ended
with the announcement on May 27, 1930 that M. S. Mason, of
Springfield, MO, would preach at the Church of Christ Monday at
7:30 and at Bark Camp Tuesday at 7:30.9 In August of 1930, Bark
Camp held a revival meeting. A. H. Lannom from “Toledo, Ohio”
did the preaching. He again encouraged religious questions. He
proposed Ato give an example for all that the Church of Christ
teaches on any subject and will discuss any Bible subject that you
may suggest.@ In September, ARev. H.
Lamon@ of Union City, Tennessee began a
revival meeting at Fourth and Slicer
M. S. Mason
Streets. Services were held at 7:30 each
evening for one week. On October 28, 1930 it was announced yet
again that a revival meeting was to be held at the Church of Christ
in Kennett beginning November 2 at 11:00. The preaching would
be done by Rev. A. H. Lannom of Union City, TN and the song
service would be conducted by C. E. McCord of Maynard, AR.10
On the front page of the October 31, 1930 edition, the topics were
announced.
Calvin E. McCord
“The Old Paths and Good Ways” on Sunday morning and throughout the week at
7:30 each evening:
Fifteen Periods of Bible History,
8
The only indication about this meeting in church records included the purchase of bills for
the meeting, totaling $3.50. A “Brother Lowery” was paid in January and the Arkansas
Christian Home received a payment of $12 from the church in February of 1930.
9
This was the final time Mason would be in Kennett. While in a meeting at Bethel Grove
Church near Judsonia in October 1930, he stayed with Brother Joe Miller. Miller’s parents
lived with his family. While Mason was preparing for church, John Miller, Joe’s father,
entered the room and fired one barrel of a gun into Mason’s right ear. He was dead instantly
(Arkansas Angels). One can find the “M. S. Mason” room at Freed Hardeman.
10
Brother Lannam (spelled different ways in the paper and quite unclear in the records) and
“Brother McCord were paid $46 and $50 respectively in November of 1930. Lannam was
also paid $10 in October and $30 a few months earlier in January (for December meeting).
C. E. McCord was born in Palatka, AR and was baptized by Joe Blue. He was known for his
song writing and leading, but he did a lot of preaching as well, according to Arkansas
Christians. He studied under Will Slater.
25
Sin Its Universality and Consequence,
Sin Its Propitiation,
Abiding in Christ,
Faith, Opinion, and Knowledge,
The New Birth,
The Witness of the Holy Spirit,
The Great Drama of Life.
On November 7 it was reported that the meeting was gaining interest. On the next Sunday
evening at 7:00, Rev. A. H. Lanmon would deliver the lecture on AThe Millenium@ or Athe
First Resurrection.@ He encouraged readers to read Revelation 20 and prepare any questions
they had on the subject.
The newspaper once again reported attendance figures at Kennett churches. On December 2
it reported that Church of Christ attendance on November 30 was 82, with no figure shown
for November 23.
December 7
December 14
December 21
December 28
45
42
47
42
On January 6, 1931, the following attendance chart, covering the Sunday of January 4
appeared:
Pentecostal Holiness
Baptist
Methodist
Assembly of God
Presbyterian
Christian
Church of Christ
Baptist (Col)
158
326
214
142
100
78
40
20
The numbers appeared as follows in the successive weeks:
January 12 showed 40
February 3: 50
February 24: 50
March 17:
60
April 28:
38
January 27 showed 45
February 10: 45
March 10:
50
March 24:
50
May 12:
51.
26
The June 26, 1931 publication of the paper had the
announcement that Rev. Hope of the Senath Church would
preach at the Kennett Church of Christ at 11:00 and 7:30 on
Sunday.11 A special announcement on July 24 showed that
George DeHoff of Black Oak, AR was preaching a revival south
of Cardwell. On September 22 of 1931 it was reported that every
Wednesday at 7:30 the Church of Christ in Kennett held a prayer
meeting and everyone was invited.
The Rev. Will W. Slater, well known
B. G. Hope
evangelist from Fort Smith, AR was
coming to Kennett. This was announced on page 4 of the October
17, 1931 Democrat. He would sing and speak at the Church in
Kennett beginning November 1. He claimed 23 years of experience
and was a vocal music teacher, writer, and song book compiler.12
Then on December 11, 1931, the public was invited to the Church of
Christ in Kennett to hear Rev. Alvin Nunley of Sikeston. He was
preaching Sunday at 11:00 and 7:30.13
Will Slater
Senath news reported in January of 1932
that T. W. Stovall preached there on Sunday morning and James E.
Laird of Fort Smith, AR preached in the evening. On January 29,
1932 it was reported that Rev. L. E. Pryor (of Campbell) would
L. E. Pryor
11
Brother Hope was paid $4.29 in May 1931 and the same in July of 1931. In January of
1931 a Brother Lawrence was paid $20. According to the second volume of Preachers of
Today, B. G. Hope began preaching in Kentucky in 1923. He preached in Paragould, AR
(1932-42); Lawrenceburg, TN (1942-47); Anniston, AL (1947-49), and Bowling Green, KY
(1949–). He did radio work and edited The Sentinel for five years.
12
Slater was born in Logan County, AR and served in Ft. Smith, AR (1919-21), Beaumont,
TX (1922-23), Henryetta, OK (1939-40), and Fort Worth, TX. He was a song book
publisher as well.
13
Payments were made to brothers Paggett and Wright in August 1931 and money was sent
to the Fort Smith Children’s Home in November. In December of 1931 the church paid
$4.20 to both Brother Stovall and Brother Nunley.
27
preach the next Sunday at 11:00 at the Kennett Church of Christ.14
It was during this time that E. W. Stovall began to do some work in
Kennett.15 He made it clear in the February 4, 1932 issue that
everyone “is invited to attend the Church of Christ at Fourth and
Slicer.” Every Sunday Bible class was at 10 and worship at 11.
ABeginning the second Lord=s day in this month, there will be
preaching regularly on that Sunday@ at 11 and 7. For the morning
service he spoke on Athe Model Church@ and for the evening, AThe
Identity of the Church.@ He added a personal note:
I am anxious to get acquainted with all the members of the E. W. Stovall
church in Kennett and am therefore looking for you to be
present on the date I preach there, and of course, the Lord is looking for you to be
present each Lord’s Day. We have no time to waste, let us be up and doing while the
opportunity is ours.
Stovall reiterated times on March 11 (Sunday night was 7:30; Wednesday was 7:30) and
posted the Sunday morning subject, AThreefold Nature of the Church.@ The evening subject
was AWitness of the Spirit.@ He admonished, ALet=s see if God=s Spirit bears witness WITH
our spirit. We can think of this as weighing ourselves in the balances. There must be a
proper balance.@ The same times appeared in April of 1932, with the
topics described. ABeginning Sunday morning we will discuss the
Holy Spirit and this will be followed by several studies on the same
subject. We hope by these studies to lead the people to an
appreciation of the true work of the Spirit.@
A report in the June 17, 1932 issue proclaimed that Rev. Cleon Lyles
of Rector, AR would preach at the Church of Christ on Fourth and
Slicer on Saturday night (June 18).16
Cleon Lyles
14
Nunley was paid $6.62 in January and Brother Pryor was paid $3.70 in February. Brother
Stovall began to receive $15 monthly for his work with the church in February of 1932. The
church bought and sold some song books and paid Charles Loyd in April 1932 for a singing
school.
15
Stovall served in Bonham, TX; Winchester, TN; and Blytheville, AR. He was active in
religious debates and in radio work. He was a converted licensed Methodist preacher.
16
According to the second volume of Preachers of Today, Cleon Lyles was born in Rector in
1914 and was baptized in 1930. He preached in Rector in 1931 before moving on to
28
On August 23,1932 it was told that Bro. E. W. Stovall would begin a revival at the Church
of Christ on August 28 at 11:00. On August 30 and on September 2 it was reported that a
two-week revival would begin on Saturday, September 4. On September 13 it was reported
that the meeting was progressing nicely. The final topics included:
Saved by Grace
The Witness of the Spirit
Make It As Safe As You Can.17
On the front page of the October 4, 1932 paper, it was proclaimed
with bold print that ACHURCH OF CHRIST EMPLOYS
MINISTER.@ Christian A. Lyles, most recently of Rector, had
become the regular minister of the Church of Christ.18 He would
preach on the first, third, and fourth Sundays of each month, using
the second month to preach at Bark Camp. He was to move to
Kennett on October 23.19
On October 21 he put the following notice in the paper:
Chris Lyles
Preaching Saturday night, October 22 at 7:30 o’clock; Sunday morning, October
23, 10:45; Sunday night 7:30 o’clock. Bible class 10:00 and Communion at 11:30
Sunday. Subjects to be discussed are “Faith,”“Growing in Christ,” and “Sound
Doctrine.” We invite your presence to all services. Come and be with us in the study
of the lessons from the word of God.
In November he invited the public to attend preaching and communion at 11 and preaching
at 7:30. On November 18 he listed Sunday night at 7 and Wednesday night at 7. On
November 25 the time was Sunday morning at 11 with a topic of AThe Rent Vail@ and
Sunday evening at 7:30 with the subject of ASin.@ Wednesday at 7:30 the study would be on
Matthew 3-4.
He gave notice that James Laird would be in town and would speak at the Kennett Church
Muskogee, OK (1937-1941), Paris, TX (1941-1945), and Little Rock, AR (1945—).
17
Brother Stovall was not paid in August but received $54 in September.
18
Christian Lyles began preaching in Clay County, AR. He served in Tulsa, OK; Flint, MI;
Fort Worth, TX; and Granite City, IL. He was author and publisher of Christian Waymarks,
was an active debater, and did radio work.
19
Brother Lyles was paid by the week, between 5 and 7 dollars each time. The church also
contributed to the Arkansas Children’s Home in October 1932. According to the second
volume of Preachers of Today, Christian Lyles was born in 1906 and baptized in 1921.
29
on Tuesday, December 6. Later this was postponed until Tuesday, December 13.20
Lyles=s topics listed in December 16, 1932 included AHow to Build a Strong Church,@ and
AIdentity of the Church.@ The Wednesday study would cover Matthew 5-6. For December
30, he included AChristian Love@ and AWhy We Sing in the Worship and Do Not Play@ as the
topics. He also added the following: ARegardless of what you may believe religiously, you
will be benefited by the lessons presented. Come be with us.@
As1933 came around, Lyles continued to promote the church. January 12 had these subjects
in the ACHURCH OF CHRIST NOTES@: ASelf Denial,@ AChrist on David=s Throne,@ and
the study of Matthew 11 and 12.
There is only one way by which we may stand approved of God. The statement of the
two Apostles make that very clear. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed”; “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers
only.” Let us study the Bible and put the things we learn in practice and continue
steadfast to the end; if we do this our reward will certainly be the crown of
righteousness. Be sure to attend church next Lord’s Day.
January 20, 1933 had the following subjects listed: AThings Which Abide@ and AMortality
and Immortality of Man.@
On February 7, 1933, the obituary of Mrs. Sarah James appeared. She had been baptized by
“Brother Morgan” and Christian Lyles spoke at her funeral.
February 17 showed the services as starting at 10, 11, 7:15, and 7:15 respectively. The
topics included AContinuing Steadfastly@ and AWhich Church to Join,@ with the study
focusing on Matthew 19 and 20. The topics listed on February 24 included ABobbed Hair:
Customs and Christianity@ and ABaptism of the Holy Spirit.@ The study covered Matthew 21
and 22. March 3 advertised AChurch Government, AFor What Can a Sinner Pray?@ and the
study was Matthew 23 and 24. March 17 had AOperation of the Holy Spirit in Conversion@
as the topic and Matthew 27 and 28 as the study. March 24 listed AThe Spiritual Body@ and
AWitness of the Spirit@ as subjects and Acts 1 and 2 as the study chapters.
On April 4, 1933 the obituary of Mrs. Rance James appeared in the paper. She had been
injured falling from her porch in a storm and never recovered.
April 14 showed the following as the topics for the next Sunday: AKeeping Unspotted from
the World@ and AThe Great Election.@ Acts 5-6 would be studied on the next Wednesday.
May 5 advertised AThe Eternal City@ and AImmortality and Eternal Life@ as the topics and
20
Under Senath News on December 9, 1932, a notice was given that a new Church of Christ
in Paragould was being dedicated,with N. B. Hardeman speaking at the services.
30
Acts 9 and 10 as the study. May 19 showed APractical Christianity@ and APrepare to Meet
God@ as the topics with Matthew 13 and 14 as study texts. Lyles added a personal comment:
If my service to God is such that it is necessary to tell my associates that I am a
Christian before they know it, then some improvement is necessary. “By their fruits
ye shall know them” not by their words only. Let us study and put the things we
learn in practice. We welcome you to any and all services.
On May 26, 1933 he noted that ALife=s Conflicts@ would be the morning subject and Brother
Cephas Awtrey of Paragould would preach the lesson.21 The evening would have Lyles
present a lesson on AThe Gospel.@ Wednesday=s study would be Acts 13-14. June 16
showed AItems of Worship@ and AThat Form of Doctrine@ (at 8 pm) for the worship and Acts
19-20 the text on Wednesday (at 8 pm). June 30 told of ACost of Discipleship@ and AThe
Two Covenants@ as the subjects, with some added admonition.
Man is not foolish enough to expect this natural life to continue without taking
natural food. Why, then, be foolish enough to expect spiritual life to continue
without spiritual food? “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Be present at worship next Lord’s Day.
On July 7, 1933 the following announcement was made:
Services for July 9, Bible study, 10 am. Communion, 11 am. Regular preaching
services will be discontinued until September to permit the minister to do two months
evangelistic work. A revival meeting will begin at Bark Camp, Sunday, July 9, and
will continue two weeks. Services each evening at 8 o=clock. The meeting at the 4th
and Slicer street building will begin July 23. We invite you to these services and
welcome any encouragement and constructive criticism you wish to offer.
The following appeared on the front page of the July 25, 1933 Democrat:
The annual revival meeting at the Church of Christ began Sunday. This is a nondenominational meeting, emphasizing New Testament Christianity, and the unity of
God’s people. Services each evening at 8 pm. The public is invited to attend.
Subject for tonight (Tuesday) “The Reformation.” Wednesday, “Yellow Hammers
21
No picture of Awtrey could be located. He was a “lay” preacher who loved the word and
could teach it well. He attended what is now Commissary Church of Christ west of
Paragould, AR. He would listen to the sermon and discuss the significance of the passages
discussed even while the sermon was still being preached! It was upon his land that the
Commissary Church of Christ built their building, though it was called Sugar Creek at that
time.
31
and Acorns;” Thursday, “Christian Unity.”
Then, on August 1, 1933 a debate was advertised. Christian Lyles
announced that a religious debate between himself and W. C. Davis
of McEwen, TN would begin at 10 am Friday at the Church of
Christ. There would be day and night sessions Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday. On Monday there would be a night session only and
the public was invited to all sessions.23
In miscellaneous local news on September
8 it was reported that Christian Lyles had W. C. Davis
returned home from two and a half months of evangelistic work in
Arkansas. The same issue showed that preaching would be
resumed the next Sunday at 11 and 8.24
Nothing else is reported in the papers until December of 1933
when Evangelist Thomas L. Conner from Walnut Ridge, AR
would preach at the Church of Christ in Kennett. He would speak
Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17.25
Thomas L. Conner
Christian Lyles simply disappeared from the pages of the
Democrat and no explanation was given, nor was a replacement
immediately made known.
In January of 1934 it was announced that there would be preaching at the Church of Christ.
Elder Will Rogers of Fort Smith, AR would present a message on Wednesday, January 24.26
March 2 revealed that there would be preaching at 8 pm Sunday at the Church of Christ,
22
The church paid $3.25 for bills for the meeting.
23
There is no indication about the topic of the debate. W. C. Davis was a member of the
Primitive Baptist church. He was born in 1889 to a Freewill Baptist father and a mother
who was a “member of the Campbellite church.”
24
On September 22 it was announced that George W. DeHoff was once again holding a
meeting at Arbyrd.
25
Brother Conner was paid $10 in December of 1933.
26
Brother Taylor preached the first Sunday in 1934 and was paid $5.35. Brother Risener was
paid $5.85 for another Sunday. In May and June Brother Risener covered the first Sunday of
each month.
32
Fourth and Hopper (?), by Rev. S. P. Risener of Carryville, AR. March 9 told of Bible Class
at 10, a short discourse at 10:45 by Martin Kimsey, one of the young men of the church, and
the Lord=s Supper at 11:30. The discourse was on AThe Holy Spirit.@ Martin Kimzey
preached again according to the March 30, 1934 issue. On April 24 it was said that Thomas
L. Conner of Senath would preach the next Saturday and twice on Sunday. The next issue of
the paper announced his subject as AIs Revelations (sic) a Mystery or did God intend for man
to understand the things contained therein?@ The announcement came on June 26 of 1934
that Thomas L. Conner would conduct a revival meeting at the Church of Christ in Kennett.
Each evening for fifteen days, starting July 1, there would be preaching on the lawn at 8 pm.
On July 9 it was reported that large crowds were attending the meeting.27
On August 14 and 17 it was announced that James E. Laird was
coming back to conduct a series of meetings at Slicer Street. He
would be in Kennett on Monday, August 20. On August 24 of 1934
it was published that Laird was of Holdenville, Oklahoma and was
conducting a meeting at the Church of Christ. It began on Monday
“with great interest and the attendance is growing each night.” It
listed that he had preached in the past at Kennett, Senath, Holcomb,
and Campbell.28
Christian Lyles reappeared in December 7, 1934 Democrat. He was James Laird
listed as the minister and advertised the service times. Subjects were
to be AChurch Discipline@ and AA Message from Hell.@ He then elaborated his role on
December 18, 1934. After this month, he said, he would preach each second Sunday and
Thomas L. Conner would begin preaching on the first, third, and fourth Sundays, Agiving this
church a pastor each Sunday.@
The January 4, 1935 issue of the paper made it clear that Thomas Conner would be
preaching at Slicer Street on the next Sunday. Also, Christian Lyles preached the funeral of
Mrs. Melvina Bailey, who was 87. She had lived in Kennett for 40 years with her daughter,
following her husband=s death in Illinois. She joined the church when she was young and
was faithful all her life. The Senath news of January 11 said that Thomas Conner and family
had moved to Kennett to begin work with the church following a year as minister in Senath.
On January 22, 1935, it was said that the Church of Christ would have its regular services
with preaching by Conner. On Sunday night, Feburary 3, it added, he would begin a series
of lectures on the book of Revelations (sic). He said that these lectures had proved to be of
great interest wherever he had presented them and suggested attendees to bring notebooks
27
Brother Conner was paid $50 in July of 1934.
28
Brother Laird was paid $56 in August of 1934.
29
Lyles was paid once in October of 1934 and three times in December.
33
and pencils to the study.
On January 25, 1935 Conner reminded people of the times for worship and included his
subject for the following Sunday. ATurning Back the Pages of Time@ was Sunday morning
and AWhy Set At Naught the Commandments of God@ for Sunday night. On January 29 he
reminded the public about the lectures on Revelation. He added, AMany questions men ask
about this book will be thoroughly explained.@ Other services were as usual. AWarm house
and good seats are provided for your comfort.@
On February 1 the subject advertised was AThe New Life@ for Sunday morning. The evening
was the beginning of the Revelation study.
Things continued like this, apparently, with just simple ads in the paper. On March 8, 1935
it was asserted that Christian A. Lyles of Rector would be the preacher on March 10 (it was
the second Sunday).30
Then on March 12 of 1935 another debate was promoted:
There will be a public discussion beginning Sunday night, March 24, and will
continue for eight nights. The discussion will be between Elder Ralph G. Green of
Little Rock, Ark., representing the Russellite doctrine or Jehova Witness (sic) and
Thos. L. Conner, representing the Church of Christ. The Topics for discussion will
appear in the next issue of this paper. Everyone is invited to attend.
On March 15, Conner promoted the subjects for the next Sunday (AThe Church=s Mission on
Earth@ and APreach the Word@) and set the propositions for the discussion:
Resolved that the scriptures teach the kingdom of Daniel 2:44 and 7:13-14, was set
up on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ and that Christ is reigning
on David=s throne. Thos. L. Conner affirms, Ralph G. Green denies.
Resolved: That the scriptures teach that the kingdom of Daniel 2:44 and Daniel
7:13-14 will follow the second coming of Christ at which time Christ will sit upon
David=s throne and reign over the earth for a thousand years. Ralph G. Green
affirms, Thos. L. Conner denies.
Resolved: That the scriptures teach that man was created wholly mortal and that the
church, the body of Christ, will possess immortality after being raised from the dead.
Ralph G. Green affirms, Thos. L. Conner denies.
30
In the first three months of 1935, three preachers served the church in Kennett: Brothers
Porter, Lyles, and Conner. In April of 1935 it is noted that Lyles was there in the 2nd Sunday
and Conner was there on the 3rd.
34
Resolved: That the scriptures teach that after the willfully wicked be raised from the
dead they will suffer in conscious torment forever. Thos. L. Conner affirms, Ralph
G. Green denies.
On March 22 Conner reminded the public of worship times and
the evening debate with the AFuture Kingdomist@ Ralph G. Green
of Little Rock. On March 29 it was corrected that the debate was
put off for one week. They would discuss four propositions, each
proposition discussed for two nights with two hours discussion
each night.
On April 23, Conner appealed to the public to attend the
Wednesday Bible study, which began at 7:45 and focused on the
first chapter of Romans. On April 26 he announced his topics
for Sunday as AWhat is Religion?@ and AThe Game of Life.@ He
simply gave meeting times on May 3, adding that Acrowds are
increasing at each service.@ His topics for the following Sunday,
as given on May 17, 1935, included ARepentance@ and AWords.@
Mr.& Mrs. Tom Conner Conner then announced a two week meeting on May 24, 1935. It
was to begin on June 9. On May 31 he said the subject for
Sunday was AThe Pillar of the Truth.@ Seats would be fixed on the lawn and singing would
be led by Brother W. A. Tucker from Agnes, AR.31
On June 18 the church was announced as hosts of the ASouth End Singing Convention.@ It
was held at the Pentecost Holiness Church, but under the direction of the Church of Christ.
The program included “congregational singing, special quartettes
and solos.” Anyone who wanted to direct a song was to contact
Rev. Thos. L. Conner. J. S. Jones of Wingo, KY began a twoweek revival at Antioch, as announced in the Democrat on July 5,
1935. On August 6 an obituary for Martha Holmes appeared in
the paper. The service was held at the Church of Christ,
conducted by A. A. Miller. She had been a church member for 40
years and lived in Kennett since 1902. On August 20 it was
shown that Bark Camp was holding a meeting with A. H.
Lannom. The subject for that night was AIs there any cause for
which one may divorce his companion and marry another with
W. Curtis Porter
God=s approval?@
Then on August 27 it was announced that W. Curtis Porter would conduct a series of
31
The church was paying on a note during the year of 1935. It was to Fray Brothers Lumber
Co.. They contributed to Ft. Smith Orphans Home in June as well.
35
meetings at the church.32 It would begin September 1 and would focus on Aplain Gospel
truths.@ That was the final public word on the work of the church
for 1935.33
According to the January 21 issue of 1936, Rev. Valley Wright of
Carryville, AR was to preach at the church the next Sunday.34
Martin R. Kimzey then assumed a leadership position with the
church by placing notices in the paper, like this ad on March 6:
You are always welcome at the Church of Christ, Slicer
and Fourth Streets. Let us study together and learn what
is that good and acceptable will of God. Bible study each
Sunday at 10 o=clock; communion 10:45; and preaching Valley Wright
at 11:00 o’clock.
It seems clear, then, that this second chapter of church history included significant preaching
work from three men: E. W. Stovall, Christian Lyles, and Thomas Conner.
32
Porter was trained at Monea College and served church in Sacramento, CA; Weatherford,
TX; Tulsa, OK; and Monette, AR. He was a frequent contributor to publications and
authored a couple of books. He was an extensive debater.
33
Brother Porter was paid $50 for the meeting. There was a special collection taken up for
the sick in September as well, with part of the money going to Brother Byrd and part going
to Brother Weeks.
34
Brother Wright was paid $4.85 for this appearance. The church contributed to “Ark-Okla
Orphans Home” in January as well.
36
37