History from 1960 - 1971
The first official “junior” choir was organized in 1960. This choir consisted of children of church
members and of the community. Leon Bunting united with the church and was employed as pianist.
The music ministry now consisted of a junior and senior choir. Mrs. Corine Smith was the first adult
sponsor of the junior choir. Lloyd Hervey was asked by the Senior Choir to be their director in
1961. Charter members of the Junior Choir included: Berlinda Smith, Samuel Lee Smith, Joan
Wright, Betty Oats, Annie Mae Halcrombe Wardlow, Mary Lou Halcrombe, Jennevette Green,
Emma Lou Jones, Cora Halcrombe, Lula Mae Green, Loretta Campbell, Della Campbell, Willie
Wesley, Leon Bunting, and Lloyd Hervey. The Senior Choir, at this time, included: Come Smith,
Hester Burgess, Myrtis Campbell, Odessa Ashby, Wilma Murphy, Linton Taylor, and Lorene
Wright.
The building was remodeled in 1966 of the inside, making it a more modern structure. At this time
the following men aided the pastor as deacons: C. J. Frazier, Robert Tillman, Climey Mathis, T. H.
Logan, Julius Pierce, and Lenton Taylor.
On March 9, 1969, the church voted to add a kitchen to the building at a cost of $1,500.00. The
building was also bricked in this same year. In the spring of 1970, the church cornerstone was
officially laid in a special ceremony.
During this period between 1960 –1970, the church was known as a “singing group of people.”
Both choirs worked well together and were the first church music department in this area to
develop the concept of a “mass choir.” Each choir maintained its identity, but united for specific
segments of the morning worship and for fellowship visits to other churches. Other persons who
became a part of the music ministry and or participated during this period were: Arnie Halcrombe,
Elmira Britton (Pierce), Lenora Mattison, Columbus Mattison, Ulysses Delph, Margree Balenton,
Myrtle Logan, Edna George, Kate Russell, Gene Watson, Jessie Balenton, Robert Balenton,
Debra Pierce, Diane Pierce, Geneva Veasley (deceased) Lorraine Swinners, Nancy Beard
(deceased). Loretta Greenlaw, Catherine Greenlaw, and Carolyn Wright Black.
Music ministry was continuous during the early and mid 1970 period. The Inspirational Youth Choir
was organized under the direction of Lloyd Hervey in 1971. Andrew Balenton was employed as
pianist. Janice Matthews Brown served as president. Another junior choir was also formed with
Mrs. Corine Smith as adult sponsor.
For a brief period, a young adult choir was formed but it did not develop into a permanent singing
unit. The church’s first and only male chorus was organized during this period. Charter members
were: Reuel Shepherd, Sherman Leach (deceased), Elmer McFarlin (deceased), Columbus
Mattison, Linton Taylor, Lloyd Hervey, and James Mackey.
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| 601 Spruce Street ~Conway, AR 72032 |
| The History of Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist Church 1960 - 1971 |
| "Let Every Soul, Save a Soul and Every Soul with be Saved" |
| Greater Pleasant Branch Missionary Baptist Church |