Original Stone Association of the Free Will Baptist Church of Christ
To unite and empower our churches in faith, service, and the teachings of Jesus Christ
OUR HISTORY
WELCOME!
We’re glad you’re here! This site serves as a resource to familiarize you with our denomination and association. One of our key purposes is to provide a central hub for all churches in our association to share important information.
We encourage you to email us any announcements or church-related information you'd like posted on the site.
Please take a moment to review your church's information in the "Churches" section and send us any necessary updates. Ministers are also invited to check their details in the "Preachers" section and share any updates needed.
Additionally, if your church has upcoming revivals or activities, please email us so we can help spread the word.
History of the Original Stone Association
Boyd on the Christian Baptists
The following history was written by the late Judge Ernest Huston Boyd Sr. and published on November 19, 1953, in the Putnam County Herald. It has since been compiled by Christine Spivey Jones into a book titled Nuggets of Putnam County History. While some details may not be exact, this account provides a reliable overview of our association, supported by historical records. Note that we were originally called Christian Baptists, not Free Will Baptists.
The Christian Baptist Church
Around 1850, several ministers and churches from the Caney Fork Baptist Association withdrew due to doctrinal disputes, led by Elders Corder Stone and his son, Thomas Stone. Among the congregations that left was the Caney Fork (Brown’s Mill) Baptist Church. They did not formally organize until after the Civil War in 1865, when they established the Christian Baptist Church at a meeting at the Caney Fork Baptist Church.
At this meeting, they also formed the Stone Association of the Christian Baptist Church, named in honor of their leaders. The Christian Baptist Church grew rapidly, absorbing many existing Baptist congregations in Putnam County and nearby areas, leading to the establishment of new congregations.
By 1887, the Stone Association had expanded to include congregations in Putnam, White, Overton, Jackson, DeKalb, Cumberland, Van Buren, Rhea, and Bledsoe counties. After 22 years of growth, the association divided into Eastern and Western divisions, marking its official beginning in 1887. The Western Division retained its identity until 1897, when it united with the Free Will Baptist denomination.
Many notable ministers served the Christian Baptist Church, including Corder Stone, Nathan Judd, and Thomas J. Clouse. These ministers dedicated their lives to preaching the Gospel and conducting revivals, often with little financial support. Their impact on the community is immeasurable, and their legacy endures in our hearts.!
Schedule of Upcoming Events
CHURCH EVENTS
Let us know of what you have upcoming!
Bible Institute - Weekly ON THURSDAY NIGHTS @ 6:30
***NEXT COURSE JAN 16 - STUDY IN THE BOOK OF ROMANS***
The Bible Institute, taught by Pastors Bro Bill Montandon and Bro Jon Baker, is a free classroom-style course currently studying Genesis. The course examines its relevance in the face of modern beliefs. This is a no cost service though love offerings are accepted to support classroom costs.
Quarterly Conference
Agenda
7:00 pm - Preaching -
Agenda
9:00 am - Business Meeting
10 am - Preaching
11 am (or after worship) - Meal provided by Stone Seminary
Annual Conference - OcT 2025
Upcoming ASsOCIATON Events
4/12/25 - Spring Youth Rally (Volume 2 curriculum) @ Association HQ Building
8:30 - Registration
9:00 - Service and activities
Missionary Support
OSAFWB provides support to Silver Trumpet Ministries. Please contact us if you would be interested in either one time or reoccuring donation.
Checks can also be sent to:
Samaritan Inn
PO Box 982
Sparta, Tn, 38583