FBC White Hall celebrates 100 years 

WHITE HALL, Ark. – “Let the celebration begin.”  

Those are the words Bob Bailey, the former worship leader for First Baptist Church (FBC) in White Hall, used to kick off the church’s centennial celebration service on Sunday, Sept. 8.  

Bailey, who served as worship leader from 2012 to 2024, returned to White Hall as the guest worship leader for the event. Bob Harper, who served as pastor from 1987 to 2009, was the guest speaker.  

According to a history of FBC White Hall, in July 1924 a Baptist mission was organized and began meeting two Sundays a month at the White Hall Methodist Church. Property was donated by Clara Pinkington to be used for a church building called White Hall Baptist Church. There were 11 charter members. The first year ended with five people baptized, 23 members and three deacons.  

In October 1925, the name was changed to Lee Memorial Baptist in honor of J.L. Lee who tackled a building project completed that year. Services were held every second and fourth Sunday, with Sunday School held every week until 1929. Under the leadership of Jack Ramsey in October 1985, they changed the name of the church to First Baptist Church White Hall.  

The church’s history, photos and other memorabilia were on display in the church’s lobby for attendees to explore.  

“It was great to look back on history to see where the church started and where we are now. It’s just amazing to see the growth,” said Sherri Neikirk, who has been a member at FBC White Hall for 18 years. Neikirk served on the church’s anniversary committee and helped plan the celebration.  

As of last year, the church had a membership of 1,480. Additionally, in 2023 the church celebrated 40 baptisms.  

“That was just a special year that God worked, and we see him continuing to do great things,” Pastor Paul Williams said.  

Williams grew up attending FBC White Hall under the leadership of Harper and began his tenure as pastor of the church in 2010.  

“To be able to celebrate 100 years in any church is remarkable, but to be able to do it in a church you grew up in, that you consider your home church, that is what has made this weekend really special to me,” Williams said.  

Williams described FBC White Hall as “a loving and accepting church.”  

“It’s a church that has a great spirit and a church that wants to see and celebrate God’s work,” he said.  

During the Sunday celebration, Williams read a proclamation from White Hall Mayor Noel Foster. In the proclamation, it stated that during the church’s first century of existence there have been 18 pastors. The tenure of the last two pastors, Harper and Williams, has spanned 36 of those 100 years. 

The proclamation declared Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, as First Baptist Church White Hall Day. Sunday’s service was followed by a catered lunch. Members also celebrated on Saturday evening “worshipping through the ages,” singing hymns from throughout the years.