The church body was established in 1896 with 25 members; services were held in a community building in Ethel.  The first building for the church was erected in 1899 with donations of $500.00 and volunteer help from the members.  The carpenter in charge of building the church was Hugh Richards, who was paid 50c each day.  The building was erected on land donated by Sam Reed. 

The first minister was E. S. Elkins.

The first elders were:
Samuel Reed
John S. Dickey
John E. Patton 

The first deacons were:
R. M. Tarpley
R. D. Dirickson
Joe C. Dickey
 

Ethel: Then & Now (1993 - 1994)