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.