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Arbyrd

After much contemplation and prayer, the members of First Baptist Church, Abyrd voted to close in March 2016.  Concurrently, this church body voted to turn over their assets, including the deed to the Church, parsonage, and other related properties, to the Association.  

Major developments:

  • In April 2016, the Executive Board voted to retain the Arbyrd property for the time being.  The Executive Board also voted to seek a Strategy Coordinating Church to oversee ministry and possible events in the Arybrd area.  The goal is to see if there is interest in a possible replant.
  • On September 17, 2016, the Association had a booth set up at the Annual Cotton Pickin' Festival.  Although the weather created some issues, we were able to promote some awareness of the Association and its Churches in the community.  The booth was made possible with help from Kelly Miller, Wilma Davidson, Mark and Janet Dunivan, and volunteers from Ely and Providence.
  • The peoples of First Baptist Church, Hornersville conducted a prayer survey in Arbyrd.  The survey went very well as we were made aware of the needs of the various peoples in the community.
  • On Monday, April 10, 2017, a new bible study entitled "Conversations around the Bible" began to be held at the Arbyrd parsonage.  The bible study has averaged 12 in attendance and utilizes a conversational teaching approach.  The bible study is held every Monday evening (unless otherwise stated) at 7:00 p.m.  If the bible study continues to grow, we might have to move the gatherings to the church building.
  • In July 2017, Bro. Bill Garrett and his family and other volunteers from FBC Gideon assisted in cleaning up the Arbyrd church property.  We would like to thank the people of FBC Gideon for their role in the completion of this arduous task.
  • The Associational Annual Meeting scheduled for September 18 was going to be held at the Former FBC Arbyrd Church building but has been moved to Hornersville Baptist Church.  This change is due to problems with the air conditioning units at the Arbyrd Building.
  • On Saturday, September 16, 2017, the Association hosted a booth at the Arbyrd Cotton Pickin' Festival.  Throughout the day, we were able to promote the "Conversations Around the Bible" Bible Study and took prayer requests.  We would like to thank those who helped work the booth, including Wilma Davidison, Kelly Miller, Paul Moore, and volunteers from Providence Baptist Church.  Next year we are considering participation in the parade rather than hosting a booth.
  • At the Associational Annual Meeting on September 18, the messengers voted to sell the Former FBC Arbyrd Church property.  The Association will retain the parsonage for the local bible study.  We are currently work on the details of this decision.
  • The Bible Study was discontinued and the parsonage was sold in 2019.

Stay tuned for new updates.

If you would like to learn more about what God is doing in Arbyrd through the Association and its Churches, you can contact the Associational Office at (573) 888-3867 or dom@blackriverbaptist.org.