Russellville in Pope County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
First Christian Church
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 22, 2023
1. First Christian Church Marker
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
[Second plaque]
In 1885 Rev. G.W. Harkey the first minister of this church had to step on this rock to mount his horse. Many of his family have been long time supporters of this church.
Erected by Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Department of Arkansas Heritage (first plaque).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 35° 16.664′ N, 93° 7.911′ W. Marker is in Russellville, Arkansas, in Pope County. Marker is at the intersection of South Boston Avenue and East Main Place, on the right when traveling north on South Boston Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 S Boston Ave, Russellville AR 72801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fire of 1906 (approx. 0.2 miles away); J.L. Shinn Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Wilson House (approx. ¼ mile away); J. Madison White (approx. 0.9 miles away); Pope County in the Civil War / Pope County Militia War
this page online
Regarding First Christian Church. Excerpt from the National Register nomination:
First Christian Church was formally organized with 52 charter members January 29, 1882, after a few families had worshipped in private homes for several years. During the organization meeting, which was conducted in the Masonic Hall, lots were cast to select elders and deacons. … Initially, the church had no minister and Dr. George W. Harkey, an elder who had previously led the informal worship meetings, served as worship leader.
In 1885, after meeting in the Masonic Hall for three years, First Christian Church began construction of its own building on property donated by Jacob L. Shinn, a charter member of the congregation and one of its first elders.…
The church, described by a contemporary source as "perhaps the costliest wooden church building in the state," was completed and the first services conducted sometime in 1886,with Rev. H. V. Dale, a circuit minister who also served other churches, as the first paid minister.…Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 22, 20232. First Christian Church Secondary Marker
Also see . . .
1. First Christian Church (PDF). National Register nomination for the church, which was listed in 2006. (National Archives) (Submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. A Cornerstone of Faith and Community. The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) blends the history of religion, community, politics, and education throughout its 135-year history. (Cathy Graves, About the River Valley magazine, posted Feb. 1, 2020) (Submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 22, 2023
3. First Christian Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
