Church History:

It all started in 1872 when Rev. Roberts of El Dorado organized the Methodist Episcopal Church in Benton.  During November of that year, the first services were held in the Benton schoolhouse.  Rev. R.F. King was the first pastor.  In 1895 the first church building was erected on the 270 W. Henrie Street site in Benton.  That building was destroyed by fire December 22, 1929.      

The desire to have a church in which to Worship God was strong.  Even though it was during the Great Depression, a church building was constructed on the same site.  It was dedicated to the Lord on February 15, 1931.  A basement modernization project was completed in 1960.  Church members cared deeply about their church and remodeled the sanctuary in 1962 and 1967.    

The need for an education / fellowship wing became apparent.  On April 16, 1978, a ceremonial ground breaking took place.  The the men of the church used their expertise and muscles to construct this addition to the main church building.  It was dedicated April 22, 1979.  The basement was remodeled in 1992.  In 1995 Noah's Ark Preschool was started.  Both the interior and exterior refurbishing project was completed in 2003.

The first phase of a three phase new building project has just been completed on a new site on the northeast side of Benton.  This phase includes a multipurpose worship area, kitchen, offices, classrooms and a partial basement.  Phase 2 will be the construction of an education wing, and Phase 3 will be a building sanctuary.  The first worship service in this facility was held on October 21, 2007.  Bishop Scott Jones and District Superintendent Cheryl Bell dedicated this building on January 13, 2008.  

Pastors (1872 - 2008):

R. F. King;  G. W. Harrison; Peter D. Lahr; John A Holms; John R. Millsap; Al Commings; James F. Irwin; N.E. Harmon; M. T. Long; William Farrel; W. I. Miller; Samuel McKibben; Ashbaugh; Laverty; Glucknen; Romine; J. V. Moore; Heevenridge; Dilts; T. E. Lawrence; James W. Anderson; Benjamine F. Foard; Peter C. Herbert; S. M. Hunt; W. V. Whinery; E.P. Rogers; E. T. Julian; M. N. Blood; R. A. Potter; George W. Harrison; J. W. Runyan; J. P. Wiley; W. L. Davies; John K. Yoeman; John Howard; Dadisman; W. J. Burns; John Hagan; Jesse Firestone; L. J. Mettling; J. P. Groom; Earl A. Nossman; Ben F. White; Earl McGinness; W. E. Callahan; C. F. J. Caulkins; Philip Chastine; Ben McCormick; Don D. Peckham; John Sterling; George Wattenbarger; Gile Stagner; Duane Harms; L. Fred Houston; Alan Stambaugh; Rob Winslow; Marc McDonald; Joel Hamme, Rob Schmutz