History

Early Beginnings (1810–1823)

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was officially formed in 1810 in Dickson, Tennessee by ministers Samuel King, Ephraim McLean, and Finis Ewing, along with Reverend Samuel McAdow.

The denomination emerged out of a dispute within the Presbyterian Church. Leaders on the frontier believed more ministers were needed and emphasized that all people could be saved through Jesus Christ rather than only a predestined “elect.” This theological difference, along with the use of emotional camp meetings, led to separation.

Arrival in Arkansas (1812–1823)

In 1812, the church began sending missionaries into the Arkansas Territory. That same year, John Carnahan preached the first Protestant sermon in the region at a home in present-day Maumelle.

For nearly a decade, Carnahan traveled the frontier by horseback and on foot, preaching to scattered settlers. As word spread, families, especially from Middle Tennessee, moved to Arkansas to join these growing communities.

By 1823, the Arkansas Presbytery was formally organized at a home on the White River in Independence County.

Growth and Frontier Ministry

Throughout the 1820s and 1830s, churches were planted across Arkansas, including in:

• Hopewell

• Strawberry

• Mount Olive

• Mound Prairie

• Prairie Grove

Ministry during this time was shaped by frontier life:

• Pastors were often circuit riders, traveling between congregations monthly

• Services were held in homes, schools, and outdoors

• Churches formed when about ten families gathered and multiplied as they grew

The church also encouraged “tent-making ministry,” meaning pastors often worked as farmers or teachers alongside their preaching responsibilities. This practice continues today.

Camp Meetings and Community Life

Camp meetings became central to church life. These multi-day gatherings brought together large groups for:

• Worship and preaching

• Fellowship and community connection

• Spiritual revival

Attendees often camped on-site, and these events played an important role not only spiritually, but socially and economically in frontier Arkansas.

Education and Cane Hill

In 1827, a congregation was established at Cane Hill. This church later founded a school to train ministers, which became Cane Hill Collegiate Institute in 1850.

The school was:

• Burned during the American Civil War

• Rebuilt in 1865

• Opened to women in 1875, becoming the first coeducational college west of the Mississippi

The institution later moved to Clarksville and eventually became what is now the University of the Ozarks.

The 1906 Division

In the early 1900s, the Presbyterian Church, USA revised its doctrine, leading to a proposed merger with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

This decision deeply divided the denomination:

• Many congregations supported the merger

• Others strongly opposed it

In 1906, the merger was approved, but dissenting members walked out and continued the Cumberland Presbyterian Church separately.

In Arkansas, disputes over church property followed. In many cases:

• Church buildings were taken over by the Presbyterian Church, USA

• Some were locked or sold

• Lawsuits were filed, but the Cumberland Presbyterians lost control of most properties

This period caused lasting hardship and division among congregations.

Rebuilding and Recovery (1906–1945)

After the division, the remaining Cumberland Presbyterians worked to rebuild:

• Recruiting new pastors

• Supporting displaced congregations

• Reestablishing churches

However, the denomination in Arkansas experienced significant decline. By 1929, the number of churches and members had decreased substantially.

Modern Era (1945–Present)

Following World War II, many people moved away from rural areas, leading to additional church closures.

In 1988, six presbyteries within the Arkansas Synod merged into one unified Arkansas Presbytery. These presbyteries were:

• White River

• Ewing

• Porter

• Mound Prairie

• Bartholomew

• Little Rock-Burrow

Today, the presbytery:

• Oversees congregations across the state

• Primarily serves rural and small-town communities

• Continues the tradition of shared ministry and cooperation

Many churches remain located in the hills and rural regions of northern, western, and southern Arkansas.

A Legacy of Faith

Since 1812:

• Nearly 300 congregations have been established in Arkansas

• Over 1,000 pastors have been ordained

Despite challenges, the Arkansas Presbytery continues its mission of spreading the Gospel, supporting churches, and serving communities across the state.

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Statement of Faith

We believe in the foundational truths of the Christian faith as revealed in Scripture:

• The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God

• There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world

• Salvation is offered by grace through faith in Jesus Christ

• The Church is called to worship, serve, and share the Gospel

As part of the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition, we emphasize God’s grace, human responsibility, and the call to live out our faith in everyday life.

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