MH Church history

On December 8, 1946 eleven members of the Church of Christ met in the home of Pearl Anderson and her mother Laura Anderson, for worship and planning for the establishment of a congregation of the Lord's people in Mountain Home. The next Lord's Day the small band met in the home of brother and sister Chester Gloer; from there to the Robert Henley home.

In March 1947 they began meeting in the chapel of the Roller Funeral Home. Here the first meeting, a missionary meeting was held and conducted by brother E. T. Bomer of Robstown, Texas. Brother Bomer, a native of Baxter County was greatly interested in the establishment of the church here and encouraged the small group to build a house of their own. He donated the old church building at Arkana, which was salvaged to great benefit.

While meeting in the funeral home membership had grown through baptisms, placing membership and new members moving into the community. During this time the Messicks, Pleasants, Griffiths, Partons and others joined in the work.  Brother Messick, being a builder by trade, became the leader in a drive for a building of their own.  

A lot at Third and Baker Streets was donated by M.E. Curlee and Jack Hornbuckle, and construction of the first building (a little 30X40foot structure) began in 1947. The first meeting in this building was on March 28, 1948, with fifteen members present.  Here regular services continued with brother Henley taking the active lead in talks, teaching and song leading. The congregation continued to grow.

In 1950 the number had grown to about 100. The original building was enlarged to 30X60 feet with the addition of three classrooms. A baptistry was also added. During 1950 and 1951 several young preachers from Harding did the preaching for Sunday services.

In 1954 a dwelling on Circle Drive was purchased for the preacher's home and used as such until 1965 when a new house on East Fourth Street was built.

In 1958 a new brick auditorium was built which is now Jackson Rentals.  In 1966 it was decided to build a new building, because the church had outgrown the facilities at that location.  Ground was purchased from Ernie Gentry at College and North Street. The building was completed and the congregation met for the first services in the building in July 1967.  The church continued to grow and a new educational building with kitchen facilities, clothing room, several large classrooms and restrooms was completed in 1974.  The church began meeting in the 800 seat auditorium currently being used in May of 1986.  Additional acreage was donated to the church by Ernie and Mae Gentry and is used for parking.  Other properties surrounding the church building have also been purchased to allow for future expansion.

In addition to supporting local ministers the church supports mission work in Africa, Germany, India, Italy and the Pacific Islands. In 1991 a one time offering of $50,000 was given to the One Nation Under God Campaign.  An active personal work and visitation program is also being carried on.  The average attendance is 400.

As we look at our roomy buildings and well furnished classrooms we can be of no other thought

than the Lord has blessed us bountifully and will continue to do so if we but walk in His ways and to His will.

May our prayers always be that the Mountain Home church of Christ shall stand for what is right and desire to please God in all things.