Early settlers brought their religion with them, often worshipping in their homes. One of the first churches was Crooked Creek Primitive Baptist Church, founded in 1834. Churches formed and split frequently as communities changed or members differed on church teachings. 

Traveling preachers and circuit riders (pastors on horseback who visited the several churches in their care every few weeks) held services where they could—in homes, fields, and even the county courthouse. A revival meeting at Harrison led to several baptisms and the 1890 formation of the First Baptist Church. 

A mission school was founded in Hill Top. In Harrison the Methodists built a college, only to have it burn down before school started.