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What began with one woman's desire to share God's Word more than a century ago has grown into a lasting legacy of faith, fellowship and service in Monticello.
Second Baptist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary Sunday, Oct. 25, honoring generations of pastors, members and families who helped shape the congregation's history.
Under the leadership of Pastor Ray Hearron, the celebration featured worship, music and reflections on the church's beginnings and its continuing commitment to serving the community.
The church's history dates to the early 1900s, when a retired textile worker affectionately known as Grandma Clarker began holding Bible classes in her home on Monticello's east side, an area that had no churches at the time.
As attendance grew, the gatherings moved outdoors beneath shade trees, eventually attracting assistance from members of First Baptist Church.
On Thanksgiving Day in 1912, community members gathered to construct a building on land donated by Mrs. Ed Gardiner, formerly Hannah Hyatt. Men and boys worked on the structure while women and girls prepared meals. By sunset, the floor, walls, and roof were in place, and Sunday school was held the following day.
The mission became known as East End Chapel.
In 1925, the chapel was formally organized as Second Baptist Church with 25 charter members. The Rev. C.D. Wood conducted the organizational service, and the Rev. A.F. Munsey became its first pastor. The congregation joined the Bartholomew Baptist Association in 1926, the year recognized in its centennial celebration.
Throughout the following decades, the church experienced considerable growth, constructing new facilities and expanding its ministries.
Under Pastor Harvey Barnes, the congregation moved to a building on Pine Street in 1932. Two years later, members purchased an old hotel in Ladelle, dismantled it, and used the lumber to construct a larger church through volunteer labor.
In 1944, Second Baptist helped establish a mission that eventually became Northside Baptist Church.
The congregation continued expanding under subsequent pastors, including the Rev. John Robbins, whose 14-year ministry beginning in 1972 brought increased attendance, baptisms and community involvement.
Despite challenges, including a congregational division in 2000 that led to the establishment of Immanuel Baptist Church, Second Baptist continued its ministry. Under the Rev. Jimmy Albrecht, the church relocated to its present facility in 2007, later expanding its youth ministry and classroom space.
The congregation's centennial service reflected that history through music, prayer and remembrance.
Hearron welcomed those attending and opened the service in prayer. Musical presentations included performances by Kathy Curtis and Doug and Mallie Mullins, while Eleanor Stephenson shared a historical account of the church's development.
Chris Lynch delivered the sermon, and Hearron offered a closing exhortation before the congregation joined in singing "The Family of God."
Beyond Sunday worship, Second Baptist has maintained a commitment to community outreach, supporting organizations including Operation Christmas Child, Options Women's Shelter, Hope Place, Relay for Life of Drew County and the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home.
One of its newest ministries, the 2BC Food Pantry, was established in April 2026 to help address food insecurity in Drew County. Through donations, volunteers and community partnerships, the pantry provides assistance to residents facing difficult circumstances.
The ministry reflects the same spirit of compassion that inspired Grandma Clarker to begin teaching Bible classes more than a century ago.
As Second Baptist enters its next century, the congregation continues to embrace its longtime motto: "A Heart for God... A Love for People..."
From humble beginnings beneath Monticello's shade trees to its present-day ministries, the church's history reflects generations of dedication to faith, family, and community service.
