1942-1963

In 1942, with our country at war, and a revival of Christ sweeping through the community, Second Baptist Church of El Dorado found itself at a spiritual crossroads. This period of transition, through God's love and guidance, would ultimately give birth to the mission-minded heart that is known today as Immanuel Baptist Church. The members of Second Baptist Church were split on the issue of relocation. A decision was made to allow those who opposed the move to continue on as Second Baptist Church, while allowing those who favored the expansion the opportunity to move forward, as God led and provided for them. In June of 1942, a meeting was held at the home of J.S. Beebe, Sr. with an attendance of roughly 35 individuals. After much prayer and deliberation, a decision was unanimously agreed upon. The Lord was leading this group of individuals to organize and form a new church. It was at this time, that the Rev. Clyde Hart was asked to lead and pastor this church, and upon his acceptance of this call, the name "Immanuel" was chosen, which means, “God is with us."

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On June 24, 1942, charter membership was closed with 300 charter members. Today, remaining charter members are: A. V. Beebe, Mable Taylor, Elsie Nale, Martha Simmons, Gay Tanner, and Helen Thompson. It was at this time that the El Dorado School board gave the new church permission to use the Southside School on South Jackson Street, as a place to worship until a building permit could be granted and a building constructed.

 

In an effort to secure the new building permit, Rev. Hart traveled to New York City to present God's plan for Immanuel Baptist Church to the War Production Board. That night, members of Immanuel held an all-night prayer meeting in regards to the War Production Board's decision on the building permit. The next morning Rev. Hart drafted a telegram to the church that read, "Permit granted. Can begin building immediately. Give God all the credit. Love to all." Rev. Hart's original telegram still resides in the church library.

 

With a building permit obtained and land already purchased, God began providing building materials in miraculous ways. The church purchased Sandyland School and construction of the sanctuary began. The congregation came together and worked diligently to ensure the construction of the church. Children were paid to clean bricks. One cent per brick was the going rate, and after the children received their compensation, they donated all they had earned back to the church.

 

As with any new start-up, money soon became an issue. With the lack of an established line of credit, Immanuel was unable to qualify for abank loan; however, God had other plans. A gentleman by the name of L.L. Sugar provided $32,000 to the church to keep the building process going. God also moved Montgomery Wooley to provide the church with $85,000, allowing the church to finance the building process.

 

With God paving the way, the Cornerstone of the church was laid on August 15, 1943, and the church doors were opened on Sunday, May 7, 1944. That very first Sunday thirty-four (34) were baptized with twenty (20) awaiting baptism the following Sunday. And to God went the Glory!

Cornerstone ceremony, 1943

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In January 1945, Rev. Hart would be called to Hot Springs to pastor Central Baptist Church and in the spring of the same year, Rev R.C. Brinkley would become Immanuel Baptist Church's second Pastor. It is important to note that while times were changing and Immanuel was evolving, the heart of missions at Immanuel was always pounding. From the origin of the church, to the Dunbar Settlement on Strong Highway (1946), and Faith Mission (1959) on Wesson Road, God has constantly been using this church body to serve and love.

 

By 1948, Rev. Brinkley resigned and Immanuel Baptist Church called Rev. Jay D. Tolleson. Soon after, the church would vote to designate all tithes and offerings from the first Sunday of each month to pay on the retirement of all debts. Following this plan on June 17th, 1953, the church was able to declare that it was debt-free, and the congregation soon voted to purchase Beech Springs for an Associational Camp. The church would soon vote to build an educational building and it was completed in 1955. In 1956 Mrs. Betty Tolleson, along with Mrs. Elsie Cate, established the church library. The library was named The Betty Tolleson Library. In May of 1960, Rev. Tolleson resigned and Rev. David E. Railey became the fourth Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. That following September, with God's direction, the church was declared debt free, once again.

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1963-1983

With Immanuel Baptist Church out of its infancy, a new period of growth would shape the next chapter of this mission-minded church. In March of 1965, Roy Hilton was called to be Immanuel's fifth Pastor. With the help of a donation, Bro. Hilton was able to establish a Bible study correspondence program called, the "Ministry of Sharing." The program would continue to grow until Bro. Hilton was called home by the Lord. Bro. Hilton's son, Kenneth, would take over the program and continue to mail out Bro. Hilton's "Ministry of Sharing" studies. There is a complete set of Bro. Hilton's writings available for viewing in the Immanuel library.

 

In May of 1977, Rev. Tommy Kimball accepted the call to serve as Immanuel's seventh Pastor. Rev. Kimball introduced the concept of "Total Missions" and the church would adopt the plan on Jan 1, 1978. Under the Plan, members would designate the amount of their offering to be given to missions and it would be divided with 50% going to Foreign Missions, 25% to Local Missions, 20% to State Missions, and 5% to Associational Missions. Following the guidelines of this plan, within five years the annual offering to missions had doubled.

 

Under Rev. Kimball's leadership, in 1980, the church voted to proceed with plans for video equipment to be installed in the church. An agreement was reached with El Dorado Cablevision to air the Sunday worship service to the community. This is a meaningful and successful ministry that Immanuel still provides today. In 1976, the church called Gary Glasgow as interim music director, and a few months later, offered him a full-time position. Gary was ordained to the ministry in 1979 and Immanuel has had a longtime friendship with Gary.

 

In 1981, the church selected architects Robinson and Wassell, to do a working drawing for a new Family Life Center, which was to be the first phase in a long range building plan. The ground breaking ceremony took place on September 26, 1981. The church moved into the new facility in July of 1983, and dedicated the building in August, 1983.

 

1983-2002

1983 - 2002 were momentous years for Immanuel. From a facilities standpoint, the church dedicated the Family Life Center in 1983 costing approximately $1.8 million and an Activities Ministry was launched under the leadership of Bruce Davis. In Dec. 1992, Dr. David Uth was called as Pastor. Ben Wasson was serving as Minister of Education. Under Bro. David's leadership there were a number of "firsts".  A Singles Ministry under the direction of Terry Hughes was launched in 1994, as well as a highly successful AWANA Program that is still strong and viable today. A counseling ministry was initiated that same year under the capable leadership of Nita Gage. Also, 1994, Immanuel made a great decision and hired Vicki Pepper as full time Director of Preschool/Children's Ministries. This ministry was greatly enhanced by the construction of a Children's Education Building in 1995 and is a tremendous asset to every family here today.

 

In 1989, Steve Lawson was called to Immanuel as Minister of Music. Steve possessed a wealth of talent as a musician. He was the consummate choir director, always challenging others to new heights. The Sanctuary Choir grew to 90 plus in membership and under Steve's leadership performed many programs here at Immanuel and in the community. Steve was also a pianist of concert quality and shared his love for the Lord through many piano concerts. The introduction of the blended worship style and incorporating many different instruments into worship services was one of his many accomplishments. Steve's love for Immanuel and God's people may have been his best quality and was evident in the 15 years of service to the Lord here at Immanuel.

 

Following Bro. David's time at Immanuel were Dr. Bruce Baker and Dr. Greg Johnson. Also spending some formative years at Immanuel was Eric Geiger. Eric was called as Student Pastor in 1998 and served for approximately three years. He is now a V.P. for Lifeway Christian Resources and has authored books and publications about Church growth and leadership. He has been and continues to be a great friend to Immanuel Baptist Church. . Immanuel has a tremendous legacy in missions and ministry. James Grafton was ordained to the ministry in 1983; Carlos and Shannon commissioned as missionaries to Brazil in 1989; Steve Bowen was ordained to themministry in 1992; in 1997 Stan and Gay Littleford were sent out as missionaries to Mombasa, Africa; Eric Pearson was licensed to the ministry in 2000 and Kyle Luttrell was licensed in 2002. There may very well be no greater kingdom benefit from our church than these faithful servants. Our church formally adopted a Mission and Objectives Statement in 1991 that is a constant reminder that we exist as a body to 1.) Evangelize the lost; 2.) Edify the saved; and 3.) Exalt Jesus. May our church, guided by the Lord Jesus Christ, never lose sight of this purpose.

 

2003 - Present

Clyde Hart, Immanuel's first pastor, so elegantly stated, "Reviewing a church's past is a pleasure, but living in the past can only lead to stagnation."

 

The 21st century has brought both change and growth to Immanuel. During this time, Immanuel has celebrated great growth in world and community ministries. Following God's direction, the following community ministries were formed: Backyard Bible Clubs, Laundry Love, Salvation Army Meals, Taking it to the Streets, and Joy Community Bible Study. With the birth of these community ministries, Immanuel has initiated a strong and consistent campaign to bring the Word of God and the love of Immanuel to the city and citizens of El Dorado. In addition to the local community ministries, Immanuel has also sent lay missionaries to Africa, Nicaragua, Guatemala, India, and New Orleans. Operation Christmas Child has also seen tremendous growth during this time.  The number of Gospel Opportunity shoeboxes continues to grow each year. OCC is an amazing ministry that will bring the Word of God to children all over the world.

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The future of Immanuel Baptist Church is as bright as the promises of God, as long as we remember and follow what Jesus said, as recorded in John 13. "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another."