History of Our Church

The History of Antioch East Baptist Church

Anitoch Eash Baptist Church was founded August 23, 1850.

In 2025, Antioch East Baptist Church will celebrate an extraordinary milestone: her 175th anniversary! Founded on August 23, 1850, in the Calhoun community of Arkansas, the church began with 13 faithful founding members: Andrew McWilliams, Ruffin Dees, Nathan M. Williams, Elisha C. Paschal, John McWilliams, L.W. Baker, Benjamin Byrd, Nathan R. Michen, Sarah Michen, Susan Williams, Elvira Baker, Caroline Brassell, and Frances Byrd. Remarkably, many of their descendants remain members of the congregation today.

Cover of AEBC Original Minute Book 1850
Page 1 of AEBC Organization
Page 2 of AEBC Organization
Page 3 of AEBC Organization
Page 4 of AEBC Organization
1915 Going to Church
Original Frame Building circa 1920
Girl in front of church circa 1920
Singing School AEBC 1927
1958 AEBC Boys Sunday School Class
Church Dismissed April 1959
3rd Building 1963
3rd Building 1963
Antioch East Baptist Church Present Day
Northern Lights over Antioch East Baptist Church Cemetery Present Day
Antioch East Baptist Church Present Day

Antioch East Baptist Church has a legacy as enduring as it is inspiring, having stood firm through some of history’s most tumultuous periods, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, and the Vietnam War. When the church was established, Millard Fillmore was President of the United States, underscoring just how deeply rooted this community of faith is in American history.