Reaching our community for Christ and shining a light in a dark world
Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1873, a time when many Baptist congregations were forming throughout the Southern United States.The church was born out of the desire of local residents to have a place of worship that adhered to the principles of the Missionary Baptist tradition, which emphasized evangelism, missionary work, and the authority of the local congregation.
The church's name, "Ten Mile," is believed to reference a nearby geographical landmark, likely Ten Mile Creek, which runs through the area. This was a common practice at the time, as churches often took their names from local features or nearby settlements. The early congregation was small, consisting of local farmers, laborers, and their families, who were committed to building a spiritual home for themselves and future generations.
Today, Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church remains a vibrant part of Lonsdale, with a congregation that spans multiple generations. The church's history is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community, illustrating how a small rural congregation can survive and thrive through the decades.
As the church looks to the future, it continues to focus on its mission of spreading the gospel and serving the needs of its community. With a rich history behind it and a strong sense of purpose, Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church is well-positioned to continue its legacy for many years to come.
Dr. Rick Grant
Senior Pastor
Rick was born in San Francisco in 1957. He was raised in Saline County; graduating from Bauxite High School in 1975. Rick owned and operated a small business until February, 1987, when he was asked to join the staff of First Baptist Church, Benton. Over the years Rick has held various ministry positions at First Baptist Church; which included serving as the Senior Pastor from 1999 until the spring of 2024.
While serving at First Baptist, Rick earned degrees from Ouachita Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Seminary.
Rick met his wife Susan while in junior high and they married right after high school.
They have been married for 47 years and are proud parents to three grown children and seven really incredible grandchildren.
Rick began serving Ten Mile Church in May of 2024.
Bro. Tony Phifer
Youth Pastor
I was born in Benton, Arkansas, and have lived in Saline County all of my life. Ramona, my wife, and I grew up in Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.
I started Seminary in Little Rock in 1977 taking Music and Bible classes. We were married in June 1979. We accepted the call to Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Traskwood in February of 1979 where we served until August 1983.
The last Sunday in August 1983 was our first Sunday at Ten Mile as Music and Youth director. We still love working with the youth and leading the music portion of our worship. Ten Mile is not only our church home but Family!