Flatwood AG celebrates 80 years at annual Homecoming

Flatwood Assembly of God Church

The Annual Homecoming for Flatwood Assembly of God of Edom will be Sunday, May 6th. Morning service will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a covered dish lunch at 12:30 p.m. An afternoon service of singing and testimonies will begin around 1:45 p.m.

This year, marking Flatwood's 80th year as an organized church with the Assemblies of God, makes this Homecoming a special event and Pastors Mike and Marion Kirkpatrick, cordially invite all friends to join the celebration of thanksgiving.

A bit of history. . .

Flatwood Assembly of God Church was organized with a group that had its beginning in cottage prayer meetings conducted in 1916 by Mrs. Cora Lee Derrick.

Their first revival was in a Sweet Gum Thicket near a cotton gin four miles east of Ben Wheeler. The evangelist was Rev. Rand Lewis. Later, another revival was conducted by Rev. Sim A. Tharp, who moved to this community and became the first pastor.

This congregation worshipped in a brush arbor and tent until a church was built on the corner of the old Dodson place.

In 1925, the church was relocated to the present site of about two acres of land given by Mr. & Mrs. J.L. Slaton, to build a church. The site includes Flatwood Cemetery which is under the care of the church.

The church was officially set in order with the Assemblies of God on April 16,1927. Another building was built and is still part of the present facilities. Dedication of a new sanctuary took place in May of 1977, and a new parsonage in 1980.

Present pastors, Mike and Marion Kirkpatrick, moved to Flatwood in 1981, continuing the traditional church programs and expanding into community outreaches.

In May of 1985 the church purchased 50 acres of land ‰ mile West of the church to facilitate the community outreach programs under Flatwood Ministries, such as the Christian Academy, People that Love Center, Senior Citizens Ministry and Prison After-Care (Manasseh Ministries). Three years ago the vision expanded to include a sponsorship program for needy children around the world (Future4kids), which presently supports 108 children.

For more information please call the church at (903) 852-6997 or visit online at www.flatwoodministries.org.