History

In 1809, Flat Creek was established in the Village of East Carondelet, Illinois, a small community of Christian families who relocated to this area from various parts of the country.The families’ need for fellowship and wanting a place to worship motivated them to find a common place to have services. Information gathered from the early pioneers of the community show that worship services were originally held under a brush harbor. It is unclear how long this lasted, but services were later held in the home of a Bro. Arnold, under the leadership of Father Fredrick Lunce. Under Father’s Lunce’s leadership a log cabin church was built.  

 

Due to its location (Flat Creek Bottom), the people in the area began referring to the church as Flat Creek Baptist Church, although the members officially named the church, “The Missionary Baptist Church of East Carondelet”.  It is not known how long the log cabin stood, or the size of the congregation but other members of the community saw this little mission struggling and offered to trade the land where the church stood for this site where it is currently located.  Along with the land for the church a cemetery, where Buffalo Soliders are buried, was also donated to the church. In addition to the residents of the small village who attended the church, many residents from South Carondelet (in Missouri) crossed the Mississippi River via flat boats to worship with the congregation.

 

Throughout its history, Flat Creek Missionary Baptist Church has been a testament to the fact that the will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you. Flat Creek has served as a place of worship and refuge for many in this and the surrounding communities. We continue to pray for God’s blessings upon this little church by the side of the road.