Armstrong was the founder of Arm- strong Springs, a 19th-century resort, and an original trustee of the nearby church. He came from Alabama in 1851 and purchased an old Indian watering hole that settlers believed had medicinal qualities. The water was advertised and the resort emerged. Armstrong died in 1881 but Armstrong Springs continued to grow, and was sold by the family in 1908. It later became a Catholic boys school. The spring no longer flows, and the area is now owned by a Center Hill church.
The Armstrong Clan consists of relatives from many states who gather for an annual reunion, usually in White County. Their pledge will establish a memorial window in the church, where a plaque in J.D. Armstrong's name will be installed. A total of seven windows are being "sold" by the Smyrna Preservation Fund for $5,000 each. A goal of $33,000 has been established to quality for a 2-for-l matching grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program in Little Rock. Architect Gary Clements of North Little Rock estimates it will cost $100,000 to complete his preservation plan for the building.
The church is owned by the City of Searcy. Representatives from the city, Searcy Arts Council and White County Historical Society are serving on the preservation committee. A committee spokesman said they hope that other descendants of the church's original members will purchase some of
the remaining six windows. The memorials are on a first-come basis and are also available to others. More information is available by calling Bill Leach at (501) 268-1100.