Who we are: Arcadia Brethren Church is located in Arcadia, Indiana
Here's the deal, Arcadia Brethren Church cares about one thing more than anything else, Jesus Christ. ABC is a family of individuals that have found hope in Jesus, and simply want as many people as possible to experience that exact same freedom.
At ABC we Accept people where they are, so that they can Believe in Jesus, and Care for each other!
How we got started
Arcadia Brethren Church was organized in 1856 with fifty members. It was one of the first Churches in the area. It began by meeting in homes and barns. Among the first members were the following men and their wives: Elders Elias Caylor and William Pearse; Joseph McCarty, minister; David Bright, Peter Eller, Jos. Kinder, Samuel Miller and George Cornelius, deacons ; John Smeltzer, Daniel Whetstone, Jacob Eiler and Samuel Martin. The congregation was at first called Cicero, from a little town located in the center of the membership, but later, when the church was built close to Arcadia and the membership centered more there, the name was changed.
The congregation acquired the land we are still on today for $60 an acre. The first meeting house was constructed without any plumbing.
Being a true pioneer preacher, Elder McCarty spent much time traveling the territory within his reach, holding services in the homes and communions in the barns. Elder McCarty and his wife had 12 children and 3 adopted orphans he was a carpenter as well as a preacher. At the time of the 75th anniversary of the church in 1931, Mrs. Bertha Herschman, a grand-daughter, showed a lunch box that her grandfather carried when he worked away from home.
Where we're headed
What's the bottom line? More than ever, ABC is committed to fostering a family built around the hope of transformed lives through Jesus Christ. Hope for the future. Hope for better. Hope for progress. Hope in Jesus. And as we move forward as a church family, a sense of family, and belonging, remain at the center of who we are as followers of Christ.
What this means for you.
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you're always welcome at ABC. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith, you'll always be welcome as part of the path we all walk together in obedience to Christ.
Beyond that, if you're ready to plan your first visit, click here.
If you want to learn more about our beliefs as a church, click here.
Or if you'd simply like to get in touch with a person on our lead team directly, click the button below.