History of First Baptist Church Hiwasse
Three Northwest Arkansas congregations joined together to launch a new Southern Baptist mission in a town that had never had one before. The location chosen was Hiwasse, Arkansas, situated between Bentonville and Gravette. Bentonville First Baptist Church served as the primary sponsor, joined by Centerton First Church and Mason Valley Church, with Bella Vista First Church providing financial support.
The sponsoring churches purchased and renovated an old farmhouse sitting on five acres at the intersection of Highways 72 and 279. On cleanup day, more than fifty volunteers from the congregations came to clear the land and prepare the farmhouse for worship services.
During the renovation, an interesting discovery was made—two books tucked away in one of the rooms. One was on how to start a Baptist church, and the other explained Baptist doctrine.
The first worship service was held on February 21, 1988, followed by a special afternoon dedication. That morning, twenty-nine people attended Sunday School and thirty attended worship. Later that afternoon, about 150 people gathered for the dedication service. Tom Smith, pastor of Bentonville First Baptist, moderated, while Joe Atchison, Director of Missions for the Benton County Association, led the dedication.
As the congregation grew, the farmhouse could no longer hold everyone. A mobile chapel was brought to the property, and the first service in it was held on February 18, 1990.
Construction on a permanent church building began in the summer of 1992, and in March of 1993, First Baptist Church of Hiwasse moved into its present facility.
