Arbala UMC

History of Arbala UMC

In the beginning the Methodist took the lead in the Arbala Community and together with the help of the Baptist and the Church of Christ, built the first Methodist Episcopal Church in 1901.  Within a short period of time, the Baptist congregates erected their own church building west of the school on Harper land.  The Harpers gave the land for these buildings with one stipulation, if ever there was not church on school buildings, the land would automatically revert back to Willie Lou Harper (Stubbs).  The Church of Christ people used the Woodman Hall for services until land across Birch Creek, at Grubbs' Community was donated to them for the erection of a new church.  Their church now is located at the intersection of Hwy 154 and the Arbala Road leading westward.  At Arbala, only the United Methodist church and the community center remain, which are used frequently.  Church and Sunday school continued to be held at the Methodist church.  The Community center still hold activities on occasion.