What began with one woman’s desire to share God’s Word more than a century ago has become a lasting legacy of faith, fellowship and Christian service in Monticello. 

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Second Baptist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary, honoring generations of pastors, church members and families whose devotion to God has sustained the congregation through decades of growth, challenges and change. 

Under the leadership of current pastor Brother Ray Hearron, the church commemorated the historic milestone with a special worship service centered on God’s faithfulness, the people who shaped its history and the congregation’s continuing commitment to sharing the Gospel and serving others. 

For Second Baptist, the celebration represented more than a century of history. It was a testimony to the power of faith, perseverance and a church family united by a common purpose. 

A Humble Beginning That Changed Generations 

The remarkable story of Second Baptist Church began in the early 1900s, when the eastern side of Monticello had no churches. 

A retired textile worker affectionately known as Grandma Clarker recognized the need for Christian teaching and fellowship in her neighborhood. A devoted Baptist, she began holding Bible classes in her home, eventually moving the gatherings outdoors beneath the shade trees during the summer. 

Her classes grew, and members of First Baptist Church began helping with the ministry. 

On Thanksgiving Day in 1912, men and boys from the community gathered to construct a building for the growing congregation on land donated by Mrs. Ed Gardiner, formerly Hannah Hyatt. Women and girls prepared meals for the workers, and by sunset, the floor, walls and roof were in place. The building was completed that weekend, 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. Rev. C.D. Wood conducted the organizational service, and Rev. A.F. Munsey became its first pastor. The congregation joined the Bartholomew Baptist Association in 1926, the year recognized in its centennial celebration. 

What began with one woman’s willingness to answer God’s calling had become an established congregation whose influence would extend across generations. 

A Century of Growth, Challenges and Faithfulness 

Throughout the decades, Second Baptist Church experienced periods of remarkable growth as well as difficult seasons that tested the congregation’s faith and determination. 

Under Pastor Harvey Barnes, the church moved to a new building on Pine Street in 1932. 

Two years later, during the ministry of Rev. R.R. Shreve, members purchased an old hotel at Ladelle, dismantled it and reused the lumber to build a larger church. The entire project was completed through volunteer labor, demonstrating the dedication and resourcefulness of its members. 

During the challenging years of the Great Depression and World War II, the church remained committed to worship and serving the community. 

In 1944, during the pastorate of Rolla Nixon and with assistance from associational missionary M.E. Wyles, Second Baptist helped establish a mission that would eventually become Northside Baptist Church. 

The congregation continued expanding under Rev. Wesley Lindsey, who became pastor in 1946, and later under Rev. Bill Lewis, whose ministry included additional building projects. 

Another important chapter began in 1972 when Rev. John Robbins became pastor. During his 14 years of leadership, church attendance, baptisms, programs and community involvement grew. A three-bus ministry helped bring families to church, and an expansion added offices and preschool facilities. 

The church also established full-time staff positions, including Richard Wade as minister of music and youth and Betty Hales as its first full-time secretary. 

Following the loss of Pastor Harry Kennedy to cancer, retired associational missionary Rev. Raymond Reed and his wife helped guide the congregation through a difficult transition. 

Under Rev. Keith Brickell, another major expansion added a fellowship hall, large kitchen, classrooms, choir room and other facilities. 

Dr. James “Sonny” Tucker later emphasized fellowship, relationships and helping every member feel they had “a place to belong.” He left in 1997 to lead the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Shawn Barnard, with Eric Willis serving as the first associate pastor, the congregation adopted the motto that continues to define Second Baptist today: “A Heart for God… A Love for People…” 

The church faced another difficult period in 2000 when a division within the congregation led to the establishment of Immanuel Baptist Church. 

Yet through adversity, the congregation remained determined to move forward. 

Under Rev. Jimmy Albrecht, with Chris Lynch serving as minister of students, the church continued its work and relocated to its present facility in 2007. Subsequent expansions provided additional space for youth ministry and classrooms. 

Throughout its history, Second Baptist has demonstrated that the strength of a church is not found in its buildings, but in the faith and dedication of its people. 

Pastor Ray Hearron Leads the Church Into Its Second Century 

Today, Brother Ray Hearron continues that legacy as pastor of Second Baptist Church, providing spiritual leadership and helping guide the congregation as it enters its second century of ministry. 

His leadership reflects the church’s longstanding commitment to biblical teaching, worship, prayer, Christian fellowship and sharing the message of Jesus Christ. 

As pastor, Hearron serves as a spiritual shepherd to the congregation, with the responsibilities of preaching God’s Word, encouraging believers in their walk with Christ and helping the church remain focused on its Christian mission. 

Through his pastoral leadership, Hearron emphasizes the importance of keeping Christ at the center of the church, nurturing a congregation that supports one another and encouraging members to demonstrate their faith through service. 

During the centennial celebration, Hearron welcomed those attending and opened the worship service in prayer. He later delivered the closing exhortation, helping bring the historic observance back to the message of faith that has sustained the congregation for a century. 

The anniversary also marked an important moment in Hearron’s leadership: honoring the faithful people who established and strengthened Second Baptist while encouraging today’s church family to carry that legacy into the future. 

Although the church has experienced many changes over 100 years, its emphasis on the teachings of Scripture, the importance of prayer and the responsibility of Christians to share God’s love remains constant. 

Under Hearron’s pastoral leadership, Second Baptist continues its mission of reaching people for Christ, strengthening relationships within the congregation and serving the community through Christian ministry. 

A Celebration Filled With Worship, Music and Memories 

The centennial service on October 25 reflected the church’s rich traditions of worship and fellowship, bringing together music, prayer, historical reflections and the preaching of God’s Word. 

Brother Ray Hearron opened the service with a welcome and prayer, followed by the congregational hymn “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.” 

Kathy Curtis shared a special musical presentation, and Brother Joe Chambers led the congregation in prayer. 

Doug and Mallie Mullins presented a tribute to the church family with “There Is a Fountain,” honoring the congregation’s shared faith and cherished relationships. 

One of the central moments of the anniversary service was a presentation by Eleanor Stephenson, who recounted the history of Second Baptist Church, including its beginnings with Grandma Clarker, the pastors who guided its development and the many families who helped sustain its ministry. 

Doug Mullins presented “The King Is Coming,” and Brother Chris Lynch delivered the message from God’s Word. 

The service concluded with Brother Ray Hearron’s exhortation and the congregation joining together in “The Family of God,” a fitting tribute to a church that has brought generations together in faith. 

Faith Beyond the Church Walls 

For a century, Second Baptist Church has embraced the belief that Christian faith is not confined to Sunday morning worship. It is expressed through compassion, generosity and a willingness to serve those in need. 

Throughout its history, the congregation has supported numerous ministries and charitable organizations, including Operation Christmas Child, Options Women’s Shelter, Hope Place, Relay for Life of Drew County and the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home. 

These ministries reflect the church’s commitment to reaching beyond its walls, sharing Christ’s love and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

The newest expression of that commitment is the 2BC Food Pantry, established in April 2026 to help address food insecurity throughout Drew County. Through volunteers, donations and community partnerships, the pantry provides food and encouragement to neighbors facing difficult circumstances. 

Although the pantry is a relatively new ministry, its purpose is rooted in the same spirit of compassion that inspired Grandma Clarker more than a century ago: recognizing a need, stepping forward in faith and helping others. 

Together, these ministries demonstrate that Second Baptist’s mission remains unchanged. Whether through worship, missions, teaching, fellowship or community outreach, the congregation continues working to put its faith into action. 

One Faith, One Family, One Hundred Years 

The heart of Second Baptist Church has always been its people—generations of families who have worshiped together, prayed together, celebrated life’s blessings and supported one another through times of sorrow. 

From Sunday school teachers and choir members to deacons, ministry leaders and volunteers, countless individuals have contributed to the church’s lasting legacy. Some served in highly visible leadership positions, while others quietly gave their time and talents wherever help was needed. 

As the congregation celebrates this historic milestone under Brother Ray Hearron’s leadership, it does so with gratitude for the pastors and members who came before and a renewed commitment to the generations who will follow. 

The church’s history is a testimony to what can be accomplished when believers remain united in faith, grounded in Scripture and dedicated to serving God and one another. 

The Legacy of Grandma Clarker Lives On 

Perhaps the most remarkable part of Second Baptist Church’s history is that no one could have imagined what would grow from Grandma Clarker’s simple decision to begin teaching the Bible in her home. 

Her first name may have been lost to history, but her faith and determination created something that has touched generations of families throughout Monticello. 

More than a century after those first Bible studies beneath the shade trees, the church she helped inspire continues to gather in worship, proclaim the Gospel, strengthen families and reach out to neighbors in need. 

The celebration of Second Baptist’s 100th anniversary was a powerful reminder that the legacy of a church is not measured solely by the years it has existed, the buildings it has constructed or the programs it has established. Its greatest legacy is found in the lives changed through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Under the leadership of Pastor Ray Hearron, Second Baptist Church now looks toward its next century with the same foundation that sustained its first: a love for God, a commitment to His Word and a heart for people. 

From one woman’s Bible studies beneath the shade trees to a congregation celebrating 100 years of God’s faithfulness, Second Baptist Church’s story continues to reflect its enduring motto: “A Heart for God… A Love for People…” 

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