03 Aug 2025 Antioch Baptist Church celebrates 100 years in Conway

By KD Reep

This summer marks a momentous milestone for one of Conway’s most enduring and impactful faith communities. Antioch Baptist Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary. With a legacy rooted in humble beginnings and a mission that’s grown to reach far beyond Faulkner County, the church’s centennial celebration is both a time of reflection and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Antioch’s story began on July 28, 1925, when 10 believers gathered for a revival under a brush arbor on Arkansas Highway 60, just west of Conway. That revival sparked the formation of the church. “Our earliest records show that the church initially met just one weekend a month in the homes of members,” said Pastor Jason Aultman, who has led the congregation since 2008. “From those earliest days, it was clear that God was building something special.”

In the years that followed, Antioch met in a variety of temporary locations, from the Reeves School House to the old Faulkner County Library downtown to a rough lumber tabernacle with a dirt floor and kerosene lamps at Duncan and Davis streets.

Though the church faced challenges, including a pause in regular meetings during the Great Depression and the loss of their tabernacle to a fire, its members remained faithful.

By 1939, the church laid the foundation for more permanent facilities on what came to be known as the Bishop lots. Weekly services began in 1948, and Antioch flourished for decades at its South Boulevard and Davis Street location. As the congregation grew, so did its need for space, leading to the construction of an auditorium and education building.

In 1997, the church relocated to its current home at 150 Amity Road, then a quiet stretch near Interstate 40. “There wasn’t much here at the time,” Aultman said. “But now we find ourselves surrounded by restaurants, neighborhoods and shopping centers. It’s become a hub of activity — and a perfect place for us to serve and grow.”

To commemorate 100 years of ministry, Antioch will host a Homecoming Day celebration at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Conway Expo Center. “We want the whole church family to worship together in one service,” Aultman explained. “We’ll enjoy lunch afterwards and have games for the kids. It will be a great time of fellowship and an opportunity to give thanks for God’s amazing blessings.”

The anniversary is not just for long-time members, but for anyone touched by Antioch over the years or those curious to discover its vibrant community. “It’s open to all,” Aultman said. “If you’ve ever been part of Antioch, or if you’re looking for a church family, you’re welcome.”Today, more than 2,500 people call Antioch their church home. The church has extended its reach well beyond Conway through global ministry partnerships and church planting efforts in places like Georgetown and Celina, Texas. “It’s incredible to see the mission field coming to us,” Aultman said. “We want to continue helping people, reaching people and being faithful with the torch God’s given us.”

Aultman, who began his journey at Antioch as director of student ministries in 1993 and has served in nearly every role since, credits the church’s longevity to its commitment to community and service. “Even if I didn’t work here, this is where I’d want my family to be,” he said. “There’s just something extraordinary about this church family.”

As Antioch steps into its second century, its mission remains unchanged. “We want to be found faithful — worshipping together, growing together, serving together,” Aultman said. “Faulkner county is blessed with many great churches and we count it a privilege to serve in this area.”

Weekly services continue at the Amity Road location every Sunday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., with Bible studies for all ages at 10 a.m. As the community reflects on 100 years of Antioch’s journey, the church invites everyone to join the celebration — and the story still being written.