The history of Keaton Township lies not only in our hearts and memories, but within the churches and schools that are our history. We must remember that preservation of these buildings is preservation of our way of life.

Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Almyra, Arkansas, erected (1916-1918)

Providence Missionary Baptist Church was once the most influential church in the White River District because its congregation was the largest in Keaton Township and Crockett Township, in addition to its proximity to Immanuel School. The name Providence means “to sustain power.” Providence Missionary Baptist Church has been on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places since December 2005.

Immanuel School, Almyra, ARkansas Est.(1906-1910)

Immanuel Industrial Institute was established between 1906  and 1910 by the White River District Association of Missionary Baptist Churches.  This first building, erected on the  land purchased for $200.00, was built of wood from trees cut by the school's founders. The Immanuel Industrial Institute was formed to educate the African-American children of the White River District. The name Immanuel means “God with us.”  The school also served as a home for the congregation that eventually founded Providence Missionary Baptist Church.