By Jeff Herring, Executive Editor, Baptist Trumpet
On July 28, 1925, a small group of believers gathered beneath a brush arbor near Reeves School House west of Conway for a revival meeting that sparked something extraordinary. That gathering — fueled by gospel preaching and a shared vision — became the foundation of what we now know as Antioch Baptist Church. This year, the church family will celebrate 100 years of gospel impact, community transformation, and unwavering commitment to Christ.
The original minutes record 10 charter members, including Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Duggar, Mrs. Fannie DeBerry and others who formed the backbone of the church. Meetings began in members’ homes, moved to the old Faulkner County Courthouse and later into a rough lumber tabernacle at Duncan and Davis Streets. Despite challenges like the Great Depression and the burning of their original building, the church remained faithful. By the late 1930s, they purchased lots for $125, built a 40 x 60 ft. building, and began meeting more regularly. In 1948, Antioch became a full-time church.
On July 28, 1925, a small group of believers gathered beneath a brush arbor near Reeves School House west of Conway for a revival meeting that sparked something extraordinary. That gathering — fueled by gospel preaching and a shared vision — became the foundation of what we now know as Antioch Baptist Church. This year, the church family will celebrate 100 years of gospel impact, community transformation, and unwavering commitment to Christ.
The original minutes record 10 charter members, including Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Duggar, Mrs. Fannie DeBerry and others who formed the backbone of the church. Meetings began in members’ homes, moved to the old Faulkner County Courthouse and later into a rough lumber tabernacle at Duncan and Davis Streets. Despite challenges like the Great Depression and the burning of their original building, the church remained faithful. By the late 1930s, they purchased lots for $125, built a 40 x 60 ft. building, and began meeting more regularly. In 1948, Antioch became a full-time church.
From its earliest days, the church showed signs of spiritual growth and denominational leadership. Pastors like E.T. Burgess and J.E. Cobb — each of whom also served as editor of the Baptist Trumpet — shaped the church’s DNA with a strong emphasis on preaching, outreach and missions.
Through the decades, Antioch continued to expand. From Sunday School buildings and radio broadcasts to Vacation Bible School and revivals, the church’s footprint kept growing. By 1997, the church had outgrown its original location at South Blvd, Davis and Ash Streets, and moved to its current campus at 150 Amity Road. At the time, the area was nearly undeveloped, but as the community around it grew, so did Antioch.
“We were one of the first churches in that area, and now we’re surrounded by neighborhoods, shopping centers and restaurants,” said Senior Pastor Dr. Jason Aultman. “God planted us in the middle of it all.”
Bro. Jason joined the Antioch staff in 1993 as director of Student Ministries and became senior pastor in 2008. He jokingly says, “This church has let me try every job they have to offer. This preaching thing is my last shot!”
Today, more than 2,500 people call Antioch home, with members coming not only from Conway but from across central Arkansas.
To mark its centennial, Antioch will host a special Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Conway Expo Center. The off-campus event will bring the entire congregation together for worship, lunch and family activities. Bro. Jason shared, “We want this to be a time for everyone who has ever been part of Antioch — past or present — to join in. And it’s open to anyone who’d like to come.”
As a member of Antioch since 2018, I’ve experienced firsthand what makes this church special. My wife and I serve as volunteers in the student ministry and teach the high school Sunday School class. Our daughter and her fiancé are part of the team commissioned to help plant Antioch Celina in Texas — a tangible expression of Antioch’s gospel-sending heartbeat. Our church isn’t just a building — it’s a family that has loved, challenged and sent us to live out our calling.
Antioch’s commitment to ministry extends far beyond Conway, with the church playing a vital leadership role within the wider BMA. Many leaders of BMA of America ministries — including BMA Global Missions, Lifeword, and other associated works — are members of Antioch, alongside numerous support staff from the BMA Global offices in Conway. This unique connection makes Antioch a hub of national and international ministry influence. Beyond leadership, Antioch is also one of the most faithful supporters of the ministries of the BMA of Arkansas and the BMA of America, consistently fueling kingdom work across the globe through its generous partnerships.
When asked about the next 100 years, Bro. Jason said, “Honestly, I’m kind of hoping Jesus comes back before then! But until then, our mission remains — to reach people, serve them and stay faithful to what God has called us to do.”
That mission has already led to the planting of churches in fast-growing areas like Georgetown and Celina, Texas, and Antioch hopes to continue multiplying its impact both locally and globally. “We want to be found faithful in our time and place,” Bro. Jason added.
“There’s tremendous value in finding your place in a church family,” Bro. Jason said. “Faulkner County is blessed with many excellent churches. I’m thankful Antioch is one of them.”
Whether you’ve been part of Antioch’s journey in the past or are just now hearing about it for the first time, you’re invited. Sunday services resume at our regular location at 150 Amity Road the week after the celebration, with worship at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and Bible study for all ages at 10 a.m.
After 100 years, Antioch Baptist Church is still growing, still sending, and still proclaiming Jesus, faithful to the God who has been faithful every step of the way.
