A History of the Lord's Church at West Sparta

The West Sparta congregation has been in existence since January 1958.  It began with 85 members sent from the Central church of Christ in Sparta.  Paul Matthews, who was the preacher for the Central congregation, served both congregations until the last Sunday in August of 1958.  At that time, the preacher's house had just been completed adjacent to the meeting house and Charles Myers, along with his family, moved to Sparta to begin working with the newly formed congregation.  The first elders were Kenneth Welch, John Snodgrass, and Robert Geer.  These men were appointed to oversee the congregation in January 1959.  The following year, West Sparta instigated a daily radio program on the local radio station, WSMT.  Charles Myers presented the first sermon on air and this evangelistic work continued for 50 years with the support of other congregations and preachers in White County.  As the years progressed, more evangelistic efforts increased in the community.  On Sunday, December 15, 1968, West Sparta began conducting worship services at the Sparta Nursing Home (currently NHC).  This work continues in the present.  In October, 1972 the congregation began a bus program to provide transportation for those who had none and to bring in children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ.  Then, in 1985 West Sparta initiated a program designed to prepare pre-school children for kindergarten with a working knowledge of the Bible.  The school was named, "Stepping Stones" and continues to meet presently twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday.  The first director of the school was Anna Lou Holman and the current director is Sandra Oakes.  Throughout the years, West Sparta has been dedicated to serving the Lord by sponsoring many good works, including missions in the United States as well as abroad.  The congregation has promoted and participated in campaigns for Christ in GA, SC, North Ireland, Scotland, and West Africa.  In addition, West Sparta has been actively involved in supporting the work of Jim Waldron in India.  The congregation also supports the Gospel Broadcasting Network, the Upper Cumberland Christian Home, Potter Children's Home, Tennessee Children's Home, and students at the Memphis School of Preaching.