I Remember New Zion Baptist Church, St. Helena Parish
File submitted by Bonnie Bridges McMillan
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
************************************************

Many thanks goes to Bonnie Bridges McMillan, author of "New
Zion Baptist Church, 1869-1994" from which this file was taken.

I REMEMBER NEW ZION, BY OLDER CHURCH MEMBERS	

     To get an idea of what church was like years ago, we inter-
viewed several long-time members of the church.

MRS. VIRGIE WILLIAMS NEEDHAM:

     "I walked to church many times.  We were unable to attend
every time church was held.  The first church I remember was an
unpainted frame building - just one room.  It burned in 1926
and was replaced by a larger building that was painted white.  I
 made a profession of faith when I was 16 or 17 years old and was
baptized in Crittendon's Creek by the church.  Bro. Stewart was
pastor at that time.  The church was heated by a wood-burning
heater located near the front of the church.  Different members
furnished wood.  Since cash was short, one pastor had the idea
of building a storehouse.  Members were asked to bring produce
to sell.  I remember some brought chickens that were sold.  The
idea was given up and the building sold.  I have been a member
for 70 years and have tried to support my church."  Note: During
Ms. Virgie's 80th year of age, she did not miss a Sunday.

MRS. VELMA LEE GRICE WALL:

     "I recall going to church, riding in a buggy, when I was very
small.  I made a profession of faith at age 13, when Bro. Green
was pastor.  I was baptized in the Tickfaw River near Johnny
Alford's.  Revivals were always special.  I remember that the
visiting minister would stay in the member's homes, and meals
would be taken with different members.  I especially remember
Bro. Fred Wilson.  I thought he was community-minded and visited
everyone."  Note: While Mrs. Wall was active in the church, she
would pick up teenagers on Sunday night, to take them to church.

MRS. LILLIE MAE TRAVIS EASLEY MCKLEMURRY

    "As a child, I rode in a wagon to church.  Then Aunt Minnie
Grice got a car and we would walk to her house and ride to church
with them.  The first church I remember was just a plain build-
ing with wooden chairs in the "Amen Corner".  I made a profess-
ion of faith when I was 12 and remember a cousin, Bernice McNabb,
joined, too.  We were baptized at Perryman's Bridge on Tickfaw
River.  Uncle Cullen Harrell was sitting on the bank of the riv-
er during the baptismal service and fell into the river.  Bro.
Green was pastor.  Aunt Emma McNabb made my dress in which I was
baptized.  It was royal blue linen.  When the church burned, ser-
vices were held in the school building until a new building was
built.  Not too much food was brought into the storehouse.  I re-
member some members brought chickens which were sold.  Mama and
brother Vick bought the storehouse building to live in.  Reviv-
als were a special time.  Everyone brought food and plates to
eat from.  We took these home and washed them."  Note: Mrs. Lil-
lie Mae continues to be a very faithful member, attending every
function.

MR. JOHNNY ALFORD

     "We attended church as often as possible.  The first church
I remember was the unpainted building that burned.  It was shaped 
about like the white frame building.  I made a profession of
faith about 1920.  Bro. Steward was pastor.  I remember he lived
in Gillsburg, Miss. and drove a mule hitched to a buggy.  Virgie
Needham and I were baptized at the same time. Revivals were the
highlight of the year.  People came in wagons to hear the preach-
ing.  Members were encouraged to bring corn or other produce into
the storehouse for their tithe.  Bro. Clyde Jones was special to
me.  Bro. Jones started the building fund to build the present
brick building.  I remember we took in $1,700.00 the first Sun-
day.  The first Vacation Bible School was held when Bro. Roberts
was pastor."  Note: As long as his health permitted, Mr. Johnny
was a faithful member.

C.J. BRIDGES

     "We went to church in a wagon or buggy until we got a milk
truck.  The first church I remember was not painted and looked
like the white building.  Will T. and I joined church at the same
time and were baptized in Tickfaw River near Johnny Alford's."
Note: C.J. was janitor for several years and a faithful member.