Page Contents for Griffithville, Arkansas

Statistics & Facts

Location

Historical Events

Community news

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Arkansas state capital is Little Rock.
The population of Griffithville is approximately 276 (2007), 225 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 119 (2000), 93 (2010).
The amount of land area in Griffithville is 1.008 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Griffithville is 0.39 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Griffithville to Washington DC is 869 miles.
The distance to the Arkansas state capital is 49 miles. (as the crow flies)
Griffithville is positioned 35.12 degrees north of the equator and 91.64 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Griffithville elevation is 217 feet above sea level.
Griffithville per capita income is $ 13,082 (2000).
Griffithville median income is $ 28,400 (2005).
The Griffithville median home price is $ 38,200 (2005).

Location

in central Arkansas about 48 miles from North Little Rock and about 115 miles from Memphis, Tennessee. Other nearby communities include West Point, Higginson, Kensett, Garner, Judsonia, Searcy, McRae and Georgetown.
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Griffithville Historical Events

1998, October 5
100th year celebration!!
The First Baptist Church of Griffithville celebrated it’s 100th year homecoming October 5, 1998. Dr. Derrel Watkins was the guest speaker. Dr. Watkins was the pastor of First Baptist Church for a short period during the 1950’s. The Velvet Ridge Quartet sang in the afternoon after a old fashion dinner on the ground.

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1898, October 2
First Baptist Church History - Griffithville, Arkansas
On October 2nd, 1898, a few people met in a boxcar, which was called "The Chapel Car", to organize themselves into a Baptist Church. On October 3, 1898, the first messengers were elected to attend the Association which convened in El Paso, Arkansas. There are still descendents of those first members who attend our church today.
In 1901, the old white frame church was built; it stood where the parsonage now stands. The pastor’s salary in 1901 was $ 10.00 per month. The church continued to move along gaining members all the time. In 1919, Pearl Layrock Guier was baptized into the church. In 1922, Mrs. Eva Gross became a member and has never moved her membership; making her one of our oldest members. She currently resides in the Beverly Health Nursing Home in Searcy, Arkansas. Mary Dell Neaville and Bill LaFerney are also older members now residing in Searcy. Bro. Burnett Guier became a member in 1930 and was ordained a minister by this church. He was called as Pastor in 1947. Time moved on and pastors came and went. In 1949, Bro. Ernest Anderson was called as Pastor. Times were getting better and he was paid $ 50.00 per month. Under his leadership in 1950, the present Sanctuary was built. It cost approximately $ 6000.00. John L. Vandiver, currently residing in Heber Springs, was Chairman of the Building Committee at that time. On June 10th, 1956, a bank note burning was held and the building was dedicated. In 1958, the old white frame church was torn down, and the parsonage was built. Bro. Walter Baker was pastor from 1960 to 1964. Under his leadership the educational building was added at the back of the church.
Bro. Ralph Caldwell was pastor from 1965 to 1969. Bro. Delton Hughes was called and served from 1966 until September 1975. Under his leadership the parking lots were purchased, the heating and cooling systems were installed and the auditorium was rebuilt. Bro. Danny Jackson was called as pastor in 1975 and served until December, 1982. Under his leadership, a new ceiling, new light fixtures, new carpet and a new piano were purchased; the sanctuary was enlarged, a church bus was purchased and a new complete sewer system was installed.
In February, 1983, Bro. Jim Wiley was called as pastor. Under his leadership, the class room building was completed, all indebtedness was paid off, and much needed sidewalks were built. The church paid Bro. Wiley's way to the Philippines to start and build a Baptist Church. In January, 1987, Bro Mike Fisher was called as pastor and served until January, 1989. Under his leadership, new rooms were added to the parsonage and many other remodeling jobs were completed on the church building. In June, 1989, Bro. Roger Robbins was called as pastor and served until January, 1990. In May, 1990, Bro. Donnie Smith was called as pastor. Under his leadership, updating of present buildings and much needed maintenance has continued; but more importantly, as under all our pastors and deacons, many souls have been added to the Kingdom.

Griffithville Community News

2008, October 12
First Baptist Church Griffithville will celebrate its 110th anniversary on October 12, 2008. Dr. Derrel Watkins will be the guest preacher of the gospel.

There will be an old-fashioned dinner followed by singing and reading of church history and introduction of prior pastors and members.

There will be a revival on 13, 14, and 15 October. Prior pastors, James Wiley, Tony Criswell and Doug Duncan will preach, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. There will be special music each night with a pie supper on Wednesday after the services. Griffithville

Miscellany

The population of Griffithville was:
1990 - 237
2000 - 262
2007 - 276

The number of housing units was:
1990 - 106
2000 - 119

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Median age:
2000 - 35.3 years

Median household income:
2000 - $ 25,000
2005 - $ 28,400

Median house value:
2000 - $ 33,800
2005 - $ 38,200

Griffithville is located in the Central Time zone and does participate in daylight savings time during a portion of the year.