The congregation was organized on September 8th, 1991 with 25 members present.  Two weeks later three other members identified with the group.  These 28 members constituted the entire congregation as it was first formed.

     The original parcel of land, consisting of 2 1/2 acres was purchased on 9/22/91 for $30,000.00.  An additional 6/10th acre was purchased in December 1992 for $4,000.00.  Total cost of land and improvements was $55,000.00.  A bonded appraiser later assessed the value of the property at $150,000.00 as it stood at the moment.

Appointment of Trustees

     In order for the group to borrow money for a proposed Meeting House, the congregation had to appoint “Trustees”.  Four were appointed in a duly convened Business Meeting.  Upon the untimely death of Brother Danny Box, our first Minister, two additional men were added to the Trustee list.  The list now consists of 5 Godly men.

     These men are not “Elders” and only act in the financial interests of the congregation, when signatures are needed, as on a bank note, or when other legal needs arise.  These men receive no compensation for their services.

Additional Historical Data

     On June 13th, 1994 the trustees signed a contract with Danny Boyd of Buchalter Home Builders, for a new meeting house.  Cost of the project was $412,000.  The new building was completed in June of 1995, but the first formal meeting in the new facility was on Wednesday evening, May 24th, 1995.

     In November of 1994 the first payment on this indebtedness was made to the building contractor.  This $64,818.50 was derived solely from funds in the Church treasury.  Although no solicitation for funds was ever made outside the congregation, there were several generous contributions made during the first two or three years.  Time and again, Samuel and March Myers of Florence, Mississippi sent generous gifts, of several thousands of dollars, with no strings attached.  They knew we would be teaching and preaching only God’s Holy Word.  We are greatly indebted to them.

     In December 1994, Jerry and Holly LaGrone made a generous gift in memory of Jerry’s mother, Catherine LaGrone, one of the original members of the Church.  Their loving contribution funded the purchase of our outdoor marquis, the Lord’s Table and our pulpit.  They are greatly appreciated and loved for such generosity.  Other contributors, who wish to remain anonymous, have stood with our own faithful and steadfast members to ensure steady growth of the congregation.

     In the summer of 1995 Brother and Sister Paul D. Murphy identified with East Pointe.  Through Brother Murphy’s influence, we paid off the initial loan, and secure funding at a 2% savings, which amounted to reducing the loan by $66,000.  We are greatly indebted to and thankful for this Godly couple and their love for the cause of Christ.

     The late Brother Danny L. Box was our first Minister.  He worked full time as a registered nurse at the local V. A. Hospital, and did as much full time ministerial work as anyone could have done.  His first two or three years as our Preacher was without any sort of remuneration.  When we finally began paying him, most of what was given usually ended up back in the treasury of the Church.  He was greatly loved and appreciated by the congregation.  His untimely death on April 21st, 2002 was a great blow to the Church, and a source of much sadness to multitudes who knew and respected him.  The largest crowd ever assembled at East Pointe was at his funeral.

     Funds collected at East Pointe are expended only to preach the Gospel, confirm the saints, and care of the needy, in keeping with Biblical mandates.  Our present missionary expenditures total $1,050 monthly.

     East Pointe is a loving, Bible believing and caring Congregation.

     The Andy Gates family contracted to move into the new Preacher’s Home and begin working with the East Pointe Congregation.  Andy’s first working day with East Pointe was September 3rd, 2002.  Andy’s record with East Pointe was one of steady growth and improvement, and the membership responded in a warm and financially profitable way for his family.  In keeping with the “Working Agreement” between Andy and the Congregation, after deciding to resign his position with East Pointe, Andy announced his resignation, March 1st, 2007 as his last day of employment with East Pointe.

     The congregation began a methodical search for a replacement Preacher.  Several men were afforded the opportunity to preach and meet with the Congregation.  Brother Nat Evans of Pocahontas, Arkansas appealed to us for a hearing, and the decision was hard and fast, after talking with him.  He was the choice for the position.

     Brother Evans began his work with East Pointe on June 24th, 2007.