Beginning in 1812, the Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) denomination sent missionaries to preach the Gospel and establish congregations on the Arkansas frontier. Members of these new congregations wrote to friends and family back east, encouraging them to come to Arkansas. Many came in response, especially from middle Tennessee.

Nearly 300 CP congregations have been organized in Arkansas and over 1,000 pastors ordained. The denomination's support of rural churches (not requiring the consolidation of smaller congregations) has made country living more tenable in Arkansas.

In 1802, the Presbyterian Church formed the Cumberland Presbytery (covering Kentucky and Tennessee). Controversy erupted when the new presbytery’s leaders felt forced to ordain "unqualified" preachers because too few educated preachers would come to the frontier. The Cumberland Presbytery encouraged emotional camp meetings which embraced shouting and hymn singing. Their preachers taught that all could be "born again in Christ," in conflict with the Presbyterian tenet of salvation only for God's "elect." CONTINUE READING...