The Celebration Baptist Church story began in June 2003. God began moving in the life of Darrin Smith, who was then serving on staff at Oasis Church in Maumelle, Arkansas. During the following months, God burdened Darrin about planting a church in Saline County, Arkansas.
The church planting effort first focused in the city of Benton. But soon, the focus became Haskell, Arkansas. The group met for a time in the chapel on the grounds of the Arkansas Health Center. Later, they began construction on their own facility, located at 4601 Hwy. 229 in Haskell.
On October 9, 2011, the church-plant organized into a church. On October 19, 2011, Celebration Baptist Church called their first pastor – Allan Eakin.
During the next several years, God continued to build a strong church in the Haskell community. Due to the increased membership, the church outgrew the original facilities. Intentional planning for a building expansion began in 2019. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Celebration Church decided to move forward with the building expansion. In the summer of 2021 construction began. A soft opening of the building occurred in April 2023, with the grand opening on October 8, 2023.
Celebration Baptist Church’s journey has been highlighted by many changed lives. God has many more lives to be changed through the effort of this congregation.