September 1951
The Church was birthed out of the revival fires of the Wildwood Youth Camp which was located on the grounds of what is now Table at Hickory Inn (aka: Fred's Hickory Inn) Restaurant.
After the summer camps were over a group of Spirit-filled believers continued holding services in the camp cafeteria. Camp directors Rev. & Mrs. C.R. Dale served as the first pastors of the new non-denominational, Spirit-filled congregation, called Wildwood Chapel.
June 5, 1958
Land was purchased at 915 West Central. The land was cleared and a building quickly took shape. There was a tent meeting held on the grounds until a permanent structure was completed and renamed Wayside Chapel. Two building additions were completed on this property.
Five men have served as pastors:
C.R. Dale (1951-1965)
Charlie or C.R. Dale was born in 1901 and he went to be with the Lord in 1985. Dovie Dale was born in 1904 and she went to be with the Lord in 1977. They were saved in a revival conducted by Irene Dilworth in 1921 near Prairie Grove, Arkansas. They were both filled with the spirit and called to preach before they met. They began preaching in country school houses and they met through these meetings. Then they began to have services together and many souls were saved. They were married in 1923 and attended Bible school together Their lives & ministry touched many people thru the years!
The Dale’s pastored churches in various states. They pioneered Wildwood Youth Camp in 1949 and in 1951 Wayside Chapel (now Radiant Life Church). Dovie was very effective in working with children & youth! After over 50 years of ministry, the Dale’s influence and ministry continues through many ministers who were called to preach at Wildwood Camp & thru their 3 daughters and their husbands ministries and churches connected thru FGEA.
Archie Burress (1965-1973 & 1985-1991)
Jerry Davis (1973-1982)
Loyd Rippy (1982-1984)
Galen Pearcy (1991- present)
April 17, 1993
The name was changed to Radiant Life Church of Bentonville, AR Inc. to appropriately reflect the new vision.
March 18, 1998
Land that adjoined our current property on two sides was purchased. A mobile home on the property became a staff parsonage and children’s classes were held in a 1,600 sq. ft. home for several years.
September 16, 2001
Our “Year of Jubilee” celebrating our 50th anniversary as a church body was officially launched with the blowing of the shofar. Two of the three children of founded, Pastor C.R. Dale attended and ministered at our celebration.
December 29, 2002
Celebrated the burning of the mortgage on the additional adjacent property. The church became debt free!
July 1, 2003
Grand opening of the Community Thrift Store. CTS opened as a downtown ministry to those in need—providing food, clothing and other household items. Originally, it was located at SW “A” street but expanded to a new location on South Walton Ave before a fire temporarily closed operations until a location was secured on the corner of 8th and Main Street. After losing our lease, in 2010, God opened the door to move to 1100 North Walton Ave. In 2019, shortly before the pandemic, the Lord spoke clearly that this season of thrift store ministry had come to a conclusion.
April 9, 2006
Official Groundbreaking ceremony for our new worship center and children’s department expansion, totaling 10,000 square feet.
March 8, 2007
We launched a ministry to our city’s apartment complexes, called Sidewalk Ministry. This outreach was expanding to include two sidewalk trucks, a 65 passenger bus and two 15 passenger vans. We began ministering two days a week covered four low-income housing complexes. This continued for several years.
December 2, 2007
“Dedication Service” for our new worship center and children’s center.
December 31, 2023
“Debt-Free in 23” became a reality, with the final offering collected to retire the debt on our South Building.