Our History

As divine providence would have it, the inception of Arlington Baptist Church beautifully aligned with God’s calling and the community’s need. In June 2018, God impressed upon Pastor Robbie McClelland’s heart the mission to carry the Gospel beyond the Southeast and plant a Baptist church where there was none. Concurrently, families in Arlington, SD, recognized the need for such a church and were earnestly praying for one. This led Pastor Robbie and his family to Watertown, SD, in the summer of 2019 to assist an existing church, and it was during this time they visited Arlington and felt a profound calling to begin their ministry there.

In February of 2020, Pastor Robbie attended a preachers’ fellowship in Florida. As he conversed with fellow pastors he expressed his concern for Arlington, SD. During this exchange, a pastor from Pennsylvania revealed that a family in Arlington had been fervently praying for someone to establish a Baptist church in their community. It was at this moment that Pastor Robbie became certain of God’s precise intention for him to relocate his family to South Dakota and serve the people of Arlington.

This confirmation of God’s will prompted the McClellands to boldly step out in faith and relocate to South Dakota in May of 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They began informally meeting with two families in the summer of 2020, and by October, they held their first official church meeting. These gatherings initially took place as in-home Bible studies for nearly two years.

In July 2022, Arlington Baptist Church celebrated a significant milestone by acquiring and transforming the old American Legion building on Arlington’s Main Street into a sanctuary for worship and fellowship. The inaugural service in this new home was joyously conducted on August 7, 2022. Through God’s provision and generous donations from other ministries, the church has been continually blessed. Consequently, Arlington Baptist Church has not only thrived but also aims to be a beacon of light within the community. In 2023, the church expanded its outreach by hosting its first Vacation Bible School and supporting its first missionary, marking the beginning of its global ministry impact.

We invite you to become a part of our unfolding story at Arlington Baptist Church as we continue to grow in faith together. Join us in this endeavor, and as a church body, we will continue to build a legacy of faith, fellowship, and service that will resonate for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming you into our church family.