HARMON METHODIST CHURCH

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The Methodist Church of Harmon, Arkansas
by Ethel Wright

History of Washington County Arkansas
Published by the Shiloh Museum, Springdale, Arkansas
(about 1989)

Based on church and family records and information from Carl Wright and Arch and Chris Thompson and prepared for Memorial and Heritage Program by Rev. David Hanshaw, on May 31, 1981 at Harmon.

In 1867, early settlers built a log schoolhouse on the present site of the Carl Wright home and called the school, community, and the near-by creek, Wildcat, due to the fact they had killed a large animal of that species near the creek when they first moved to the area.

About 1882 several families, all related, came from Randolph County, Arkansas in 1875 and settled in Springdale, acquired property in the Wildcat community desiring to leave Springdale because trains on the newly-built railroad were injuring and/or killing their livestock. Some either traded with or brought from a group of people calling themselves "Soul Sleepers" who were holding religious services in the log schoolhouse. They believed that on Resurrection Day each person would come back to earth to inhabit his former home. One dear lady who sold their home reserved the right of repossession on that day. The new owner, Adeline Wright, graciously assured her she was welcome to it.

Some of the records are not identical, but it is believed that eleven of these newcomers met 99 years ago and organized the first Methodist Church which took over the log schoolhouse and renamed it Ebenezer with the creek and the community remaining Wildcat. Two others joined the group shortly making a total of 13 who are considered charter members. The first 19 members are listed as coming by certificate and Lucinda Wright McCamey as first by baptism. Charter members included William and Adeline Wright, their son Granville and his wife Nancy, William's daughters Amanda Orlena who married John Wood, Fanny who married Charles Sullivan, Jeff and Talitha Brown, William Sullivan, Heywood and Belle Thompson, and Mr. and Mrs. Greenup. It is noted in the records that the Greenup's were "disposed of by certificate in 1883", so it is assumed that they moved away as no descendants of the family are known to be living in the area. Children and/or grandchildren of the other eleven charter members in Harmon Church or other area churches, as well as those in many other states.

Local members bear the names McCamey, Hinshaw, Pearson, Thompson and Wright with the names Mitchell, Mayes, Washburn, Wood, Larkin, Day, Sims, Kinion, Johnson, Daily and Dowell in near-by churches.

During the first ten years, it is noted that Ebenezer Church was served by nine pastors and 53 names were placed on the rolls, however 16 of these were removed by death or transfer.

Much can be said about the faithfulness of the early members.  They met in a poorly-lighted, poorly heated building, sat on uncomfortable seats-the first were split logs without even a back rest.  They came in all kinds of weather, some walking, others on horse-back or in buggies and wagons.   It is told that Aunt Sallie Sullivan was an early riser and was such a stickler for punctuality that if Uncle Billy was not ready for church on time, she climbed into her buggy and drove herself to church.   Not at all upset, when ready, Uncle Billy simply struck out across the field and walked to church. 

At the end of twenty years in the log school house, a new frame church and school was built on the hill just north of the Harmon post office and store which had been established in 1902 when Ebenezer and Wildcat both became known as Harmon. 

The frame building served as both church and school for over thirty years.   By this time the membership had increased due mainly to the annual revivals held during the summer, usually in brush arbors to accommodate the large crowds that came to participate in the singing, hear the gospel preached, and visit with friends.   Many were converted and now members were received into the church in special services held at the "Baptizing Hole" in Wildcat Creek west of the Thompson home.  Following singing, prayer and sometimes tears and shouting, the new converts were immersed and thus became official members of the church.  This method of receiving members was discontinued about 1960.

By 1932, money had been raised by giving plays, having picnics, serving dinners,  selling pies and hamburgers until with $1,200 in the bank, it was decided to begin the present building on land given by Mr. and Mrs. Arve Thompson. 

Thirty-seven men volunteered for labor and carpenter work.  The women cooked and served dinner to the workers each day.  Their were no power tools.  The basement was excavated with pick and shovel and the use of slips pulled by teams of horses or mules.  Gravel as hauled from the creek and mixed with cement by hand to make concrete for the foundation and basement walls.  The pastor, Rev. O. M. Campbell was a most faithful worker, not only as a carpenter but in using his model T touring car to run into town for needed supplies.  The only person paid for labor was Ora Locke, a carpenter who agreed to supervise the work on the building for just enough money to buy groceries for his family of seven while he was working.  He asked for and was paid $25 for more than thirty days work. 

The building was partially completed and first services were held in March, 1933.  There was no stairway and only a dirt floor in the basement, but the children were happy to go outside, around the house and in the back door to have Sunday School classes there.  

As money was available, a stairway was built and concrete floor poured.   Other improvements included, classrooms, kitchen facilities with tables and chairs, water and electrical systems, panelling on the walls, new pews with cushions, wall to wall carpeting, heating and air conditioning and a p.a. system.  Most recently, steel siding has been placed on the outside of the building.   Over the years, memorials in the form of a pulpit and chairs, communion table and service, offering plates, candle sticks, cross, record register, electric organ, a painting and hymnals have been presented in the honor of deceased members.

The Union Sunday School which was organized in 1870 had met in Wildcat school house and later Ebenezer church became the Methodist Church School in 1903 and was the educational leader in the early days of the church.  The Epworth League, which later became the Methodist Youth Fellowship, under many good leaders furnished young people with additional educational and social opportunities.  The heritage of our church also includes the influence of the Women's Society of Christian Service which took an active part in community and district programs.  While participation in these activities has declined, we still have a strong, caring, working church organization which fully meets all its financial obligations. 

As nearly as can be ascertained from the records:  In 99 years over 500 names have been entered on the church roll.   At present, we have 92 members.  30% of these have belonged more than forty years with Mrs. Arve Thompson holding the record of more than 74 years, followed by Wilbur Rankin with over 71 years and Arch Thompson and Otto Wright each over 65 years.  Almost 1/3 of the members are unable to attend church because of poor health or the fact they have moved out of the area but still wish to maintain their church affiliation here.

These persons have been served by 52 pastors.  Many of these remain only a year or less.  Reverend Woodrow Woods has the distinction of staying the longest and was characterized  as the "visitingest preacher", visiting the most and talking the least when he came to call.   He was a good listener! 

Early church records indicate that Ebenezer was a member of the Springdale Circuit in 1882.  In 1902 the church is listed as a member of the Elm Springs Circuit being served by the same pastor who provided services on alternate Sundays in the two churches.  Present Ministers serve both churches each Sunday.

We have loved and given up many wonderful pastors and their families over the years.   It has been said that Harmon is a stepping stone to greater service and accomplishment as many of the pastors who have attained places of prominence and leadership in the Methodist church started their ministry here.