Myrtle Springs Baptist Church County Road 2111 Hooks, Texas ***** "This is one of the most loving congregations you could walk into. I appreciate the friendliness of the congregation and the love they express for one another-and if that is on target, everything else falls into place."-the Rev. James Seigler ***** Member James Lumbley compiled a history of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church which shows the church was built in 1843. An old deed dated July 30, 1855, describes the first church's location as "a place just off Myrtle Springs Road just south and east of a line between Cecil Eaton and the property just east of him just northeast of where that line intersects with Arthur Lumbley." Lumbley reprinted an article from "The Battle Book" written by Josiah Fort Battle, who died in 1928. The Battles are Lumbley's ancestors. Orren Battle and his three sons and other family members came to the Myrtle Springs community from Mississippi and settled in Myrtle Springs in 1842. In 1839, Dr. Josiah Fort and his family moved near Myrtle Springs, and two of Dr. Fort's daughters married Battles. Another daughter married John Rochelle, and the history written by Josiah Battle says they settled in Myrtle Springs. "These forbears were all Missionary Baptists and this community was composed almost exclusively of people of that faith," Battle wrote. They built the first Missionary Baptist church in Bowie County, he said. The first church building was built of hewn pine logs. The next building was built around 1893 at the church's present site on land given by Collie Moore, a granddaughter of Warren Hooks for whom Hooks was named. In 1947, the building was torn down and some of the lumber was used to build a new church. The church burned in 1973. A new church was built and dedicated the following year. The church has grown continuously, adding acreage and buildings as well as remodeling and updating older structures. The Rev. Lewis Ward Davis was the church's second pastor. His son was Arkansas Gov. Jeff Davis. The third pastor, the Rev. Daniel Buckner, was the father of Robert Buckner who founded Buckner's Orphan Home in Dallas. The Rev. James Seigler, current pastor, came to the church in 1996. "It's the best church in the country," Seigler said. "I appreciate the friendliness of the congregation and the love they express one for another. If that is on target, everything else falls into place." Other staff members include youth minister Gary Early, music director Kenneth Hall, Bible study director Eddie Anderson and discipleship director David Redden. Charlene Foltz serves as secretary. Seigler said the church has been completely remodeled and also has a new education wing. "This is the only church I have ever pastored that has done everything necessary for growth," Seigler said. "The church is growing and we are thankful for that. If we keep our eyes on the Lord it will continue to grow." ***** Affiliation: Southern Baptist Convention ***** Members: 700 ***** Services 10:15 a.m., 7 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays For other activities, call 547-6256 ***** Pastor: the Rev. James Seigler www.texarkanagazette.com © VHR