"Together, We will Grow in Christ"
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 146th Church Anniversary
“Reflecting on Our Legacy”
Early records indicate that in 1865, a small group of faithful men met at a place in the Hills Prairie Community to organize a church. They agreed to name the church Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
In the beginning, worships were held in a log cabin on the first and third Sunday of each month, including night services. Communion was held every first Sunday evening. People traveled by wagons, buggies, and horseback and some families walked six miles or more to attend worship. Paying tithes, church dues, or in- kind contributions of pounds were means for financing the church.
Antioch was the first church built in this area. Later, Lone Star Baptist Church at Peach Creek sprang from Antioch. Unfortunately, in 1921, a fire destroyed the church. Faithful members didn’t give up. On these same grounds, they continued to worship under a large oak tree. In 1929, the church was rebuilt.
According to documentation, Antioch has been a member of St. John’s Association of churches for more than 70 years, even though the exact date when Antioch became a member is unknown.
Our past years have been good, but with the help of God we will stand for another century. The future remains optimistic despite the obstacles. Thank you for taking the time out today to share a moment in our church community.
Our Mission together as members of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is creating an acclaimed congregation with women, men, children and youth. “Growing in Christ Together” (Theme for this year) calls each of us to be more genuine in this attempt.
The members of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church come from different ethnicities, age groups, cultural background, economic situations, educational levels, family make-ups and come from different parts of the country. The diversity we have as an organization expands our mission work and community.
