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we go to the rock
A PREVIEW OF THE 2007 FREE WILL BAPTIST NATIONAL CONVENTION, JULY 15-18, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
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La Petite Roche
When French Explorer Benard de la Harpe landed near an unusual rock formation on the bank of the Arkansas River in 1722, he called it La Petite Roche, the “little rock.” The name stuck. When the United States acquired the Louisiana Purchase from the French in 1803, Little Rock was a struggling frontier settlement. A popular stopping point on the Southwest Trail to Texas, the crossroad had a rough and rowdy reputation and served as home to many colorful frontier characters.
In time, however, the town grew and matured. Churches and schools were established, newspapers were started, and by the time Arkansas was granted statehood in 1836, the city was the obvious choice for the title of state capital.
Today, Little Rock’s population has reached nearly 600,000. The city continues to grow, boasting a recently-expanded convention center, a revitalized downtown area and riverfront market district, a 42,000-sqare-foot Center for the Arts, and the William J. Clinton Park and Library named for the former President and Arkansas native.
Going to the Rock
Little Rock will become the temporary home to thousands of Free Will Baptist men, women, and children on July 15-18 when the denomination’s 71st annual convention returns to Arkansas for the fifth time (three of the previous conventions were held in Little Rock). Plenary sessions will be held in the Statehouse Convention Center, while various activities will be held in facilities across the downtown area. Convention planners have blocked rooms in six downtown hotels for the week: The Peabody (headquarters), Doubletree, Wyndham Riverfront, Courtyard by Marriott, LaQuinta Inn Downtown, and the Holiday Inn Presidential.
THE HOUSING PROCESS HAS CHANGED. Reservations can ONLY be made online or by calling each hotel beginning Monday, April 2, 9:00 a.m., Central Standard Time.
Little Rock Hotel Amenities
THE PEABODY (headquarters, connected to the [SCC] Statehouse Convention Center)
(800) PEABODY / www.peabodylittlerock.com Group Code: 283335
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Free internet service (wireless in lobby)
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Health club available 24 hours
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Business Center available 24 hours
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Rollaway beds available for double rooms at minimal cost
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Refrigerators available ($25 per night)
- Nearby River Market District has a variety of restaurants and attractions
DOUBLETREE HOTEL (2 blocks to SCC)
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 Free wireless internet service (all public areas and guestrooms)
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Trolley stop in front of the hotel
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Free parking for registered guests
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Fitness room
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Free airport shuttle
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In-room coffeemaker
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River Market District, six blocks
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The Plaza Grille offers the following buffets: daily breakfast ($7.95 + tax), lunch M-F ($8.50 + tax), and dinner ($12.95 + tax)
WYNDHAM RIVERFRONT (across the river, 10 minute walk to SCC)
(866) 657-4458 / www.wyndham.com
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In-room coffeemaker
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Free internet access in guestrooms
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Free newspaper and Web TV
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Safe
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Sofa-bed
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Two-line, speaker phone with voice mail
 COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT (4 blocks from SCC)
(800) 321-2211 / marriott.com / Group Code: FWBO
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The Courtyard Café offers a daily breakfast ($8.95 + tax)
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River Market District nearby
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Trolley stop within half block
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Indoor pool and spa
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Workout facility
LAQUINTA INN (six blocks from SCC, free shuttle)
(501) 374-9000
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Free Continental Breakfast
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Free Airport Shuttle
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Free Parking for registered guests
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Wireless internet throughout the facility
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Outdoor pool
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Fitness Center available 24 hours
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Business Center available 24 hours
Holiday Inn Presidential (8 blocks from SCC, free shuttle) (501) 375-2100
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Free wireless internet
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Two-line phone
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Fitness center
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Outdoor pool
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Full-service restaurant
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Room service and laundry facilities
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Free USA Today
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Free shuttle to airport and downtown
Around Little Rock
Visitors to Little Rock have much to enjoy during their stay. The city is rich in history, tradition…and fun. You will enjoy the following sites and attractions during your visit.
ARKANSAS STATE CAPITAL
Constructed between 1899 and 1915 the neo-Classical building is a small-scale replica of the nation’s capital building in Washington, D.C. Although used for state business, the State Capital is open for tours, and thousands of visitors pass through the buildling each year. The Capital is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (501) 682-5080 or visit www.sos.arkansas.gov.
THE OLD STATE HOUSE
The oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, the magnificent Greek Revival structure overlooks the Arkansas River and houses a museum of Arkansas state history.
Located on Markham Street between the Peabody and Doubletree hotels, the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit online at www.oldstatehouse.com or call (501) 324-9685.
 THE OLD MILL
North Little Rock is home to the “Old Mill” featured in the opening scene of the movie Gone With the Wind. The mill is the only remaining structure from the film. The surrounding gardens are beautiful with flowers blooming year round. For information, call (501) 791-8537.
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
In 1957, this famous institution became a battleground in the struggle for civil rights. With bated breath, the entire nation watched the "Little Rock Nine" try to enter the previously all-white school. Through dramatic images of the conflict, Little Rock came to symbolize the commitment to integrated education. The Visitor’s Center is open daily. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/chsc or call (501) 374-1957.
THE ARKANSAS QUEEN
Enjoy a ride on the fully restored riverboat, The Arkansas Queen. The beautiful vessel offers tours along the banks of the Arkansas River. Sightseeing cruises start at $10. For more information, visit www.arkansasqueen.com or call (501) 372-5777.
Quick Facts About Little Rock
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The capital and largest city of Arkansas
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Located in the center of the state in Pulaski County
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Population: 184,055 in the Little Rock city limits; 580,625 in the Greater Little Rock Metropolitan area.The greater metropolitan area includes the cities of North Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Carlisle, Conway, England, Greenbrier, Haskell, Jacksonville, Lonoke, Maumelle, Mayflower, Sherwood, Shannon Hils, Vilonia, Ward and Wrightsville.
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Temperatures range from 40 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 81 degrees Fahrenheit in July (pack cool clothes)
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Population: 47% males, 53% female
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Median Age: 31
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Arkansas became the 25th state admitted to the union on June 15, 1836, and is made up of 75 counties.
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