From:  BAPTIST DENOMINATION IN AMERICA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD
by David Benedict, New York; Lewis Colby and Company, 1848
Contributed by Betty White


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SECTION II. LOUISIANA.


Early History—Louisiana Association—Concord—Ovachita—Shady Grove—Mississippi River
—Eastern Louisiana,—Closing Remarks—Correspondents.

  THIS State is large in its dimension, but as the original settlers under the Spanish 
  government were Catholic, the Protestants, and especially the Baptists, were late in 
  their coming, in any considerable numbers, and somewhat slow in their progress, Within 
  a few years past, however, they have occupied a number of new posts in different parts 
  of the State, and now bid fair to go on with augmented energy and strength.
  About the commencement of the present century, a few of our society were found on the 
  eastern side of the great river, which for about half the length of this State divides 
  it from that of Mississippi, who planted a few churches over the line, on the Spanish 
  side, soon after the territory was acquired by our government; and incipient movements 
  had been made for a new interest, near the south-west corner of the territory, by 
  Mr. Willis and a few coadjutors ; yet, as late as 1820, there were in the whole of 
  Louisiana but six churches, four ministers, and a fraction over one hundred communicants.
  According to Alien's Register for 1833, the number of churches were sixteen, and the 
  membership upwards of seven hundred. Since then the denomination has increased in 
  something over a quadruple proportion.
  
  [Several different associations are included, but left out of this report]
  
  OUACHITA   ASSOCIATION.
  This is a young institution, having been organized in 1843 with nine churches which were 
  dismissed from the one last named [Concord Association, est. 1832]. This infant community, 
  although it possesses but a small amount of numerical strength, yet it seems to be well 
  regulated, and pursues its course with order and decision.
  History of the churches. In the Minutes for 1846, instead of a circular letter in the 
  usual style, which for some cause was not presented, this people very properly supplied 
  its place with brief historical sketches of their churches; the only one I shall be 
  able to notice is called the

  CATAHOULA. “It is situated about twelve miles north-west of Harrisonburg, and is the 
  oldest in the Association. It was commenced in 1826—has ordained four of her ministerial 
  sons, and has been a nursery to all the churches within the bounds of the Association;
  —she is well entitled to the term “ mother church.”
  Rev. N. M. Davis is its present pastor; this office he has sustained since 1841.
  Rev. Henry Humble was its spiritual shepherd from its constitution till his death, 
  in 1829; high commendations are given by a number of my correspondents of this aged 
  pastor among the infant churches in this fraternity.
  Catahoula Church united with the old Louisiana Association soon after it was formed; it 
  afterwards united with the Concord, where it stood until this new body arose.
  This body is situated in the parishes of Caldwell and Catahoula, in northern Louisiana.  
  None of its churches come up to 100.