Wesley Chapel, Cleveland County

I'm grateful to Dan Thornhill for sending me these pictures of this fine old church. It's located between Rison and Star City on Hwy. 63 (which, after all these years, I still want to call Hwy. 15.)

I'm not sure when it was built, but it certainly has some considerable history, judging from the looks of the cemetery on the grounds. It appears to have had continuous use as it's very well maintained.

In trying to find out something about the church, I discovered there are at least six other Wesley Chapels in Arkansas and countless others the world over. John Wesley is, of course, known as the founder of the Methodist Church, but his teachings laid the groundwork for many other denominations.

Many rural churches share the characteristic of having twin entrances. I suspect that even though the original intent way back when was to provide separate entrances for men and women, it simply became an easier way to get in and out of the church on Sunday morning when social dawdlers often blocked the way.

Thanks for sharing, Dan.

Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, Lincoln County

I drove a truck twice a week past this church back in the early 90's and always admired its simple elegance. It's about all that remains of Relfs Bluff, which straddles the line between Lincoln and Drew Counties on Hwy. 425.

The church was established in 1859 and built in 1925. I can find very little of its history, or even that of Relfs Bluff. It is the only church in Lincoln County on the National Register of Historic Places.

Here's a photo taken through the front door.

To the north by the cemetery stand these curious cement monoliths. I surmise they supported wooden planks and served as a communal picnic area. If anyone can verify or refute this theory, the floor is yours.