Rooted in Faith. Open to All.

Our Roots

Our History

The Sinclair Church of Christ in Arp, Texas, is a story of unity, sacrifice, and determination. Its foundation is reflected in Matthew 7:24–25: a house built upon the rock will stand through rain, floods, and winds.

Around 1937, evangelist Paul English came to the Arp/Troup area to establish congregations in what were known as “new fields.” Pamphlets announced his arrival, and a two-week tent revival near Liberty Baptist Church drew an eager community. Many believers were baptized in a stock pond on the road toward Troup.

Early members included Jess and Lydia, Riley Lydia and his wife, the Dickerson family, the Henry Coleman family, and the Sydney Beck family. They went from house to house teaching the Gospel, building a congregation rooted in Scripture and service.

After Mondrow Lydia obeyed the Gospel, his conversion created new interest in the community. Services were held at the Piney Grove building, and Jess Lydia later purchased a half-acre of land where a building was moved. The congregation became known as the Sinclair Church of Christ because the turn to the building was above the Sinclair Oil Camp.

When winter travel made the original location difficult to reach, members worshiped from house to house. The Roberts and Duncan families became active, and Bro. Joel Thompson ministered while services met in his mother’s home in the Bascom area, now known as Chapel Hill. Later, services moved near what is now Universal Heights Church of Christ before road improvements allowed members to return to the Sinclair building.

Sinclair became known for strong leadership, inspiring Gospel Meetings, and warm fellowship. With assistance from the Troup congregation, the church secured its present building and three and a half acres on Highway 135. Bro. Tackett, Bro. D.C. Taylor, and Bro. Paul Thompson worked for three years to help make the move possible.

The former school building had once been used as a nightclub, with walls painted in bright colors. Through faithful work and a major transformation, the congregation prepared it to become a welcoming place of worship for the Sinclair family.

Over the years, Sinclair has been served by devoted ministers and leaders including Mondrow Lydia, Joel Thompson, Charlie Booty, Hopkins, Paul Thompson, Alvin Roy Jackson, W.T. Walls, D.C. Taylor, Chris Brown, Herman Cooper, John Teal, Jamal Anderson, and Ralph Kinnel.

Bro. D.C. Taylor was baptized in 1968 and began preaching in 1969. Along with Bro. Gene Roberson, he provided consistent leadership through many years of ministry. Bro. Herman Cooper joined the work in 1996 and co-ministered with Bro. Taylor until his passing in 1999.

From 2000 to 2006, Bro. John Teal and his family co-ministered with Bro. D.C. Taylor. They were an important part of the Sinclair family, helping implement the GAP Award, support remodeling projects, and establish the first Sweetheart Banquet. Bro. Jamal Anderson then served as minister from 2006 to 2007.

Bro. Ralph Kinnel and his family first visited the congregation in 2007 and he was hired as minister on August 19, 2007. Bro. Ernest Mills joined the Sinclair family as Associate Minister in January 2009, while Bro. D.C. Taylor and Bro. Gene Roberson continued their vital support.

Through every storm and every season, Sinclair Church of Christ has remained steadfast in faith. With gratitude for the members whose recollections preserve this history, we trust that the Lord will continue to guide and bless this congregation—founded on THE ROCK.