Grayson County TXGenWeb
 
Willow Springs Church of Christ
Pottsboro, Texas



The Willow Springs church of Christ started in the early 20th century in the Locust community.  Many of my relatives walked to church there, including Sarah Jane Myers (known as Aunt Jane), the Cook family, Clountz family, Daniel family, Gardenhires, Jacksons, Roys, and many more.  At some point around mid century, they moved the long narrow building to where it is located now near Willow Springs across from the Clountz, Pearson and Holt land - sitting on land donated by the Driggers family.  In 1964, that long narrow building was converted to classrooms because the members all helped build a new brick building next to it.  I still remember the first time we went to worship there in the new building as a child.  I was in awe at that time! 
  

The preachers I remember: 
  • Robert Monroe ~ late 1950s - early 1960s
  • Ross Hollingsworth ~ 1960s
  • Ollie Duffield ~ 1973 - 1979
  • Johnny Moore ~ 1979 - 1985
  • David Hamrick ~ 1985 - 1987
  • Jimmy Stegall ~ 1987 - 1992
  • Frank Bauman ~ 1992 - 1998
  • Leon Short ~ 1998 - 2011 



Pioneer Church - Ollie Duffield, Willow Springs Church of Christ preacher, said the pioneer church has some startlingly modern characteristics, particularly in the summer when cars towing boats can be seen in the parking area.

Torn article....
....the Willow Springs Church of Christ near Flowing Wells Resort, says his church occupies an important niche in the history of northern Grayson County.

With a present membership of more than 100, the church had its beginning in pioneer days around the turn of the century when groups of worshipers met in a grove of trees not too far from the present building site. Duffield said the Willow Springs congregation was formally established in the summer of 1905 with William Gilbert Reynolds of Gunter conducting the service and he is certain meetings were held on a less formal basis - Bible study and singing - in the Locust schoolhouse before that.

Since those early times the Willow Springs Church of Christ has grown to occupy an influential role in the life of the community. Duffield added. Currently, services are held in the white brick building constructed in 1962 at a cost of $25,000, and land for the church was donated by Ike Eckstein of Sherman. The new building replaced the wooden one used since 1937 at the same site, after a storm damaged an older one adjacent to the Willow Springs schoolhouse..
Duffield pointed out that at the time the decision was made to construct the new facility, it was necessary for nearly every member of the congregation to help.

"Crews of volunteers worked from 6pm to __pm each workday" he explained, "as well as on Saturdays. We borrowed an electrician from the Pottsboro Church of Christ and only one carpenter, painting contractor and bricklayers were hired to finish the job. The job started with only $6,500.00 actual cash.

Duffield said the church occupies a strategic location due to its proximity to Lake Texoma, and added that it wasn't at all unusual to see the parking area dotted with cars towing boats to the lake during the summer. He added that the congregation is dedicated to helping others, and is active in giving help to the Gunter Home for the Aged, the Boles Home for Children , and the Tipton, Oklahoma Home for Children.

The first preacher to actually live in the community, Duffield has been serving the church for exactly two year, and lives behind the church in a parsonage constructed by members so he can be available at all times, Duffield noted that ...end of torn article 






Willow Springs Church of Christ History

Churches

Susan Hawkins
© 2024

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