“Jesus Use Me”
The first Sunday in June has been, for many decades, designated as ‘Homecoming Day’ in the community of Springhill and Springhill Baptist Church has been the gathering point for those who return to celebrate their heritage. As can be determined Springhill Baptist Church was formed in 1860, unfortunately, many early records were destroyed in a fire in 1903. This coming Sunday we will mark the 160th anniversary of this local church and her ministry for her Savior Jesus Christ who purchased her with His blood!
In the beginning Sunday morning Bible study would take place every Sunday and when preachers were available there would be preaching. Some of the early pastors were scheduled for one Sunday a month and that expanded, in time, to two Sundays. As the years past the ministry grew and there were pastors who were by-vocational and eventually on the field full time. The first pastor identified by record was Bro. Walsh Ford who served during the years of 1894-1896. Other pastors who’s names might be recognized in recent Baptist history were Dr. J.E. Cobb, E.C. Pearrow, W.J. Burgess, Levi Reynolds, Gene Elrod, George Reddin, Dr. Wassell Burgess (1957-1970/ 1979-1990), Ed Stephenson 1999-present).
We are saddened that our ‘Homecoming Day’ celebration has been disrupted by the guidelines of the coronavirus but we still rejoice, and praise the Lord, for the blessed ministry of Springhill Baptist Church. It will take time but the ministry will recover and our best days are still before us. Last Sunday we had over 110 back for our time of worship Sunday morning and I am looking for the attendance to grow. I am anxious to see you and to worship with you!
A lot of things happened in 1860 such as the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president of the United States, the first trip of the ‘Pony Express’ from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California to deliver one small Bible. 1860 marked the eight census in America and lasted six months and it was determined the population was 31,443,330. On December 20, 1860 South Carolina became the first state to declare its secession from the union after the election of Abraham Lincoln.
So many interesting things happened in 1860 and I encourage you to look up the events of that year. What took place in a remote area in Arkansas, when some Bible believing saints coveted together to start a local church, was a work for Jesus that eternity will reveal had a great harvest for the Master.
SEE YOU SOON! – BRO. ED