Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 10
July 24, 1958
NUMBER 12, PAGE 10a

Toe Hold In Little Rock, Arkansas

Wm. E. Wallace, Fort Smith, Arkansas

This article is not about the racial situation at Central High School. I am interested in a new embryo force in Little Rock. In Little Rock, where the church was made strong by the warfare of sturdy and sound Christians, congregations are now drifting slowly in the direction of denominationalism. I am not prepared to say how serious the drift has become, nor do I know to what degree all the congregations are affected. It seems that depends on how many yield to the influence of the 6th and Izzard group — it has drifted right along desecrating the Lord's work and misappropriating the Lord's funds in such things as the building of a social fellowship hall. Much can be said about that congregation relative to its drift, and much has been said by others, but for the present I am more interested in a new effort in Little Rock.

Recently a "few" brethren started a new congregation with a hope and desire that some in every congregation in Little Rock would be interested in taking a stand for a return to the old paths. The new congregation is small in number but strong in spirit, few numerically, but mighty as a potential force dedicated to conformity to "thus saith the Lord."

One reason why the new group is small in number is that of the lack of fanfare in its establishment. The congregation was established by the imitative of those who comprise its membership. There have been no big meetings, no big publicity pushes. Interest in Little Rock relative to the new congregation seems little beyond the curiosity stage now. However, a toe hold on Little Rock soil has been made by forces of pure restoration interest, and there is power potential in it.

Three things will assure the spread and growth of this work: (1) an adequate and proper place in which to meet, (2) financial support, (3) an influx of members from Little Rock churches — members who are interested in pure New Testament Christianity, and who are willing to take a courageous stand with the new congregation for the faith once delivered. It is too early now to say much about the future of the new congregation. But one thing is sure, a new congregation has been established and it will take more than the ridicule of institutional Sanballats' to kill it. The greatest danger to this new work is the neglect and indifference of sound brethren and congregations. I preached for the new group one Sunday recently and I found that these brethren are of the same kind of Christian stock which dominated the original efforts to bring restoration to Little Rock many years ago.

The following letter sent out by the new congregation is self-explanatory:

"As you may know there are fifteen congregations identifying themselves as the church of Christ in the Little Rock area. Unlike other towns of comparable size there is neither a majority nor even one of this number that has made an open committal to a forthright stand with the truth as respects the issues involved in the current digression. And inasmuch as the Little Rock churches are pretty well dominated by the influence of a regimented ministerial alliance, it is not likely that any of the congregations can or will be wholly reclaimed for Christ. For this reason brethren, who are interested in the preservation of the New Testament order, have banded together in a determined effort, which, by God's help, will result in a remnant being saved and the church being not wholly lost.

"To this end a meeting place has been rented in the Northwest section of Little Rock, one-half block north of Cantrell Road on Knightly Drive; the contributed services of Brother L. L. Weaver, formerly with the church at Rogers have been temporarily secured; and, plans have been made to acquire time either on television or on one of the greater Little Rock radio stations.

"Until this work becomes self sustaining, help from brethren of like mind in other parts of the country is imperative. If present progress continues, your monthly contribution should be necessary for no more than twelve to eighteen months.

"Recognize with us, brethren, the far reaching effect of this work in the capitol city of Arkansas and let us make it one of lasting effect, showing, among other things, that cooperation can be effected on a scriptural basis.

"Submit all correspondence directly to L. L. Weaver, Box 3226, Little Rock, Arkansas. A receipt for all contributions plus a progress report will be mailed out each month."