History of New Zion Baptist Church, St. Helena Parish, La.
File submitted by Bonnie Bridges McMillan
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Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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Many thanks goes to Bonnie Bridges McMillan, author of "New
Zion Baptist Church, 1869-1994" from which this file was taken.

ZION

The name Zioin may come from the root word sayon "High or lofty"
and is an appropriate name for the mount on which the temple was
built.

Zion is first mentioned as the name of the Jubusite fortress David
captured during his conquest of Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:6-10; 1 Chron.
11:4-9).  When the fortress had been captured, Zion also was known
as the city of David (2 Sam. 5:2-7).  After the convenant was taken
to a tabernacle built by David and later transferred to the temple
Solomon built (2 Sam. 6:1-17; 2 Chron. 5:2-7), Zion was viewed as
God's dwelling place.

Zion also was used as a name for the entire city of Jerusalem (2
Kings 19:21; Psalms 51:18; Amos 6:1) and for the community of faith
that dwelt there (Job 12:23).  Prophetic Scriptures referred to the
city of God in the coming age and to the new Jerusalem as Zion (Isa.
60:14; Mic. 4:1-7; Hebrew 12:22; Rev. 14:1).  From Bible Book
Study for Adult Teachers, April - June, 1993, writer Dr. Harry B.
Hunt, Jr., Professor of Old Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theo-
logical Seminary, Forth Worth, Texas.

INTRODUCTION

     Ezra Courtney, a pioneer Baptist minister of southwest
Mississippi and eastern Louisiana, was born on April 5th, 1775.
Ezra was born when the Baptist religion was suffering intense
persecution in the colonies.  Many, especially in Virginia, were
publicly whipped at the post if they could not pay the heavy fines
imposed on members of religions other than that required by Eng-
land.  Americans (as they were beginning to call themselves) in-
creasingly were leaving the eastern states for the western wilder-
ness to try to find some measure of religious freedom.

     With a desire to bring the word of God to as many others as 
he could, and probably with some urging from his friends and
Courtney relatives who had already made the journey, Ezra and his
family moved to the wild country of southwest Mississippi in 1804 -
that part of the newly-acquired American territory which later,
in 1809, was organized into Amite County.  Below the "Line of 
Demarkation" (which today is the state line between Mississippi
and the Louisiana "Florida Parishes"), was the area called West
Florida, owned and controlled by King Carlos of Spain.  The Span-
ish king, being of the Catholic religion, would not tolerate any
other in his dominions, and again all Protestant religions and
Baptist were presecuted and suppressed.  Rev. Ezra Courtney, by
now the father of four children, was one of the key figures in
the organization of the Mississippi Baptist Association in 1806.
While serving as Ebenezer's pastor, Ezra made numerous missionary
trips to the Florida Parishes.  His influence in Louisiana was so
strong that the Baptist historian Paxton describes him as "The
Apostle of West Florida".  In January of 1816 (when the State of
Louisiana was only 4 years old) Rev. Courtney moved his family 
from Amite County and settled on a fairly large plantation in 
southeastern East Feliciana Parish.

     In 1813, Ezra and some other members of Ebenezer Church or-
ganized a Baptist Church in the northeastern part of East Feliciana
parish he called Hepzibah.  Here Rev. Courtney preached for more
than twenty years.

     Families in the area continued to rely on the intinerant min-
isters to "marry the young" and to "bury the dead".  A church had
been organized at Half Moon Bluff in Washington Parish in 1812
and Mt. Nebo of present day Amite in 1813 but the nearest to our
area was Line Creek constituted in 1839.  Line Creek records re-
veal that a number from this community were members of that church,
moving to New Zion upon its organization.  These God-led people
were keenly aware of the need for an organzied church in which to 
rear their children, and so they banded together and with the help
of ministers from nearby churches established a church which was
named New Zion.

     Many have come to know the Lord here, some have been ordained
to the Gospel Ministry and a larger number to the Deacon Ministry.
Hundreds have served the Lord gloriously here and will continue to 
serve until Jesus comes.  We say with Paul "Forgetting what is be-
hind and straining toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ."  Esphesians 3:13 and
14.  Amen.  Amen.

HISTORY FROM ST. HELENA ECHO

ST. HELENA ECHO, January 19, 1951, copied August 1964 by Mrs. J.
P. Morris from paper loaned by Mrs. Annie Strickland Tilgren.
HISTORY OF NEW ZION BAPTIST CHURCH FROM SEPT. 18, 1869 TO JUNE 5,
1950 according to church records and memory reproductions of Mrs.
Florence I. Taylor George, compiled and edited by Mrs. George.

     New Zion Baptist church constituted on the 18th day of Sept-
ember AD 1869 in the parish of St. Helena, State of Louisiana, 
sixth ward.  According to previous appointment, there was a meet-
ing held at a place known as the Strickland school house (Henry W. 
Strickland) and the day and date above named for the purpose of 
constituting a Baptist Church.  Elders Stephen Hilburn and David
B. Roberts being present as a Presbytery they proceeded with the
constitution when the following named brothers and sisters came
forward with letters of recommendations from the surrounding
churches and were received by the Presbytery and their names en-
rolled; viz:  Harris Waller, Henry Bond, Samantha Bond, Mary Ann
J. Bond, Lydia D. Lamberth, J.C. Waller, H.C. Prey, T.C. Bond,
Ellen A. Bond, Minerva Mo Texan Moore, J.M. Moore, A.H. Bond,
Martin Bond, Jesse Bazzone, A.J. Waller.  After extending the
right hand of fellowship as customary, the Presbytery declared
them a regularly constituted Baptist Church.

     The church covenant and the articles of faith were adopted
by the church.  The church then went into a regular conference.
On motion, Brother D.B. Roberts (David Burch) was chosen as mod-
erator.  The moderator appointed Brother C. Waller clerk protem.
On motion it was resolved that the name of this church be New
Zion.  On motion the church adopted rules of decorum for the gov-
ernment of the church.

     On motion resolved that the church go into the Mississippi
River Association, and delegates elected to the association.  Bro-
ther J.M. Moore and Martin Bond volunteered their services as de-
legates.  On motion the church went into the call of a supply for
the remainder of the year.  Elder S. Hilburn was called unanimous-
ly and T.C. Bond was elected clerk, Harris Waller, deacon.

     On December 18, 1869, H.Z. Jenkins was elected pastor for
1870.  On Saturday March 9, 1870 at Conference, the church re-
ceived their first new member, Sister Margaret Jane Moore and on
Saturday April 16, 1870, the church received at conference, three
new members by letter, Grant R. Taylor, Caroline H. Taylor and
Louise A. Taylor.  At this conference April 16th, the church ap-
pointed a committee to superintend the building of a church name-
ly, Henry Bond, J.c. Waller and Grant R. Taylor.  A tract of land
was donated by Henry W. Strickland for the New Zion church and
school house.

     On Sunday, February 19, 1871, there was preaching by H.Z.
Jenkins, after which the privilege of the church was extended and
received Sister Eliza Alford by baptism.  Mrs. Alford was the
first member of the church to be received by baptism.

     On Nov. 18, 1871, New Zion church called Rev. B.L. Lea for
1872.  Rev. Lea continued as pastor for five years, including
1876.  First communion was observed Sunday, May 15, 1870.  First
protracted meeting held Sept. 17, 1872 and closed on Wednesday,
Sept. 11, 1872.  Rev. Isaiah Almond and Rev. Felder Crawford,
assisted the pastor Rev. B.L. Lea with the preaching.  Deacon 
Harris Waller died on Sept. 6, 1872 in the 73rd year of his age.
Conference was held on Sept. 11, 1872.  On motion an obituary of
Brother Harris Waller was adopted and ordered to be recorded on 
the church book.

     On Sunday, June 20, 1875, Brother Daniel R. Warren, a deacon
and his wife, Sarah Warren, united with the church by letter. 
The church granted its first license to a young man, Evan W. Spen-
cer to preach the gospel on Sept. 12, 1876.

     Sunday Nov. 12, 1876 Rev. G.M. Hayden was called to the pas-
torate of the New Zion Baptist Church.  Rev. Hayden continued as
pastor of the church through 1879.  Rev. Hayden was a well known
educator of his day.

     The well known Baptist preacher and scholar, Rev. M.S. Shirk, 
former president of the Amite Female Seminary, Liberty, Miss.
preached here on Saturday Aug. 11, 1877 at 11 o'clock.  Rev. Shirk
was a native of Ohio and a son of a Baptist minister, Elder Joseph
Shirk.

     On Sunday August 12, 1877, a protracted meeting began, which
terminated on Sunday Aug. 19, 1877.  The preaching was done by the
pastor, Rev. Hayden.  This meeting resulted in 43 accessions, 35 by
baptism, 10 by restoration and one by letter.  This is considered
the most successful revival meeting in the history of the church.
The rites of baptism were administered in Tickfaw River, by the
Rev. Mr. Hayden, pastor.

     Henry Bond and D.R. Warren were elected deacons in 1877.

     Rev. Evan W. Spencer was ordained as a gospel minister by
this church on Sunday, May 11, 1879 at 11 a.m.  Elders B.L. Lea,
R.J. Stewart, and G.M. Hayden were the presbytery.  Rev. Spencer
was the son of Captain John T. Spencer and St. Helena Strickland
Spencer and a nephew of the donor of the site of the New Zioin
church, Henry W. Strickland.  Rev. Mr. Spencer was married to
Miss May Wall of Tangipahoa, La.

     The Spencer's reared a nice family and he was a successful
minister in both Miss. and La. (Rev. M. Spencer's father, Capt.
Spencer, also a Major-General in the Confederate Army, was the
author of Spencer's Grammer.  He was killed in the seige of Vicks-
burg, and is interred in the National Cemetery there.)

     In 1880, Rev. R.J. Stewart was pastor.  At this time, New
Zion Church entertained the Miss. River Baptist Association on
October 1, 2, 3, 1880.

     On Dec. 11, 1880, Brother T.C. Bond, church clerk, granted
letters to himself and wife and moved away from the community.
Grant R. Taylor was elected clerk to succeed Mr. Bond and Mr.
Taylor served until April 12, 1902, a period of 21 years and 4
months.

     On May 16, 1881, the church granted license to Rev. O.H.
Tate to preach the gospel.  On Feb. 12, 1882, Brothers John S.
Strickland and William D. Wilson were elected deacons.  Brother
Strickland was called to his reward on May 27, 1896.  Mr. Strick-
land was Supt. of the SS and his former pupils should recall with
much interest and appreciation his oft repeated Bible Verses "I
have fought, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing."  2 Tim.
4:7,8.

     Rev. S.H. Thompson, was called to the pastorate of the
church 1881 and in 1882.  In 1883, and 1884, Rev. William Schil-
ling preached at the church.  The protracted meeting of 1883 be-
gan on Aug. 12, 1883 and closed Tuesday Aug. 14, 1883.  Due to the
illness of the pastor, Rev. T.C. Schilling of Gillsburg, Miss.
was the revival speaker.  His text on Tuesday Aug. 14 was Luke
18:37 "Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By".  There were 6 accessions to
the church, by baptism.  Rev. Cleon Schilling baptized the 6 Aug.
14.  Rev. Schilling led the prayer at the baptism . . . "Redeemer
bowed, bright was the glory sacred beam, that hushed the wonder-
ful crowd.  So blesses Spirit, come today to our baptismal scene.
Let thought of earth be far away and every mind serene."

     The church ordained Rev. O.H. Tate on Sat. Nov. 10, 1883.
The pre . . . was Elders William Schilling and R.J. Stewart.

     The first Sunday School was organized by H.B. Lambert in 
July 1884, W.D. Wilson was Superintendent and H.B. Lambert was
Sec. - Treas.

     Rev. Albert G. Felder was pastor of the New Zion Church for
year 1885.  During the pastorate of Rev. Felder, the church enter-
tained the Tickfaw Baptist Sunday School Convention, on the fifth
Sunday in Nov. 1885 with dinner on the ground.  Rev. Felder died
at his home at Gillsburg, Miss. Aug. 31, 1887.  A few minutes be-
fore the end he said to those who were at his bedside, "Now bre-
thern, if you want to see a Christian die, stand back and look
on."  Strong men wept like children as the spirit of this good
man left its earthly tabernacle for the regions of perpetual day.

     Rev. William Schilling was pastor in 1886.  Sunday Aug. 8, 
1886, Rev. Joel Goss MD assisted the pastor in the protracted
meeting.  Rev. Goss' topic on Monday Aug. 9th was "Choose ye this
day whom ye will serve," Joshua 24:1.  There were twelve additions
to the church, the writer, Florence I Taylor George being among
the twelve.  The meeting closed Aug. 11, 1886.   The baptising was
done Aug. 11 by the pastor Wm. Schilling.  Pastor of 1887 was Rev.
F.W.  Rev. J.C. Gad was pastor in 1888 and 1889.

     On May 26, 1888 H.B. Lambert, Pattie Williams and Florence
I. Taylor were appointed as a missionary committee to report on
or before the regular meeting in September.  On Sat. Oct. 1888,
the church received the obituary of Mrs. Olive Waller, age 80 years
and 6 days who died May 23, 1888, same to be recorded in the
church book and printed in the Amite City Gazette.

     On fifth Sunday, April, 1888 the Tickfaw Baptist SS Conven-
tion was entertained with dinner on the ground.  In 1890 H.B.
Allen was pastor.  Fifth Sunday, March, 1890 the church enter-
tained the Tickfaw Baptist SS Convention with dinner on the
ground.

     Rev. E.M. Schilling was pastor 1891, 92 and 93.  Fifth Sun-
day Nov. 1--- another dinner on the ground for the SS Convention.
During the pastorate of the Rev. E.M. Schilling, there were 56 ac-
cessions to the church.

     In 1893, the church house was repaired and ceiled.

     Sam Ball (Methodist) of Washington Parish, La. taught sing-
ing school, first week in Sept. 1887 for a period of six days.
Last day, public was invited to dinner on the ground.

     Rev. J.M. Cook pastor, 1894-95.  During the pastorate of
Rev. Cook, Memorial services for an aged brother, John J. Bridges
who died Nov. 9, 1894, father of Wilson, John Sibley and Nefus
Bridges was held Sun. Nov. 24, 18-- with a large crowd of sorrow-
ing relatives and friends present.  The pastor Rev. Cook deliver-
ed the memorial sermon.  He compared Mr. Bridges passing to that 
of an Indian Chief, when he was pursued by the white man.  When
the chief crossed the Alabama River, he looked back and saw that
he was safe from the white man.  He stuck his spear in the ground
and uttered Al Ta Ma Ha interpreted in the English language, "Here
let me rest."  Continuing, the speaker said Brother Bridges has
crossed the river and has stuck his spear in the earth on the ot-
her side of the river and has also exclaimed, "Here let me rest."

     On the 5th Sunday in April 1894 and June 1895 the church 
again entertained the Tickfaw Bapstist SS Convention with dinner
on the grounds.

     . . . Deacon D.T. Easley died August 4, 1911.

     While Rev. T.C. Schilling labored here in the Lord's vine-
yeard, 1896-98, he is credited with having accomplished a great
work.  On first Sunday in October, 1896, the church entertained
the Mississippi River Baptist Ass'n.

     Other pastors at the close of the century were Rev. Elisha
Garner 1898, Rev. W.K. Red 1899, and Rev. A.J. Hewwitt 1900.

     In January 1881, a Baptist preacher that was blind preached
at early candle light.  The writer does not remember his name.
There was a large crowd in attendance.  Rev. Archie Schofield of
Liberty, Miss. did the preaching at the revival meeting August
1881 and there were 5 accessions to the church by baptism.

     R.L. Schwartz and Preston P. Bond ordained as deacons May
9th, 1896.  On fifth Sunday of Jan. 1897, the church entertained
the Tickfaw Baptist SS Convention with dinner on the ground.
First organ bought for the church March 1897.  Miss Bessie T.
Taylor was elected organist.  Deacon W. Smith died Dec. 12, 1901,
age 88 years and 8 months.  Former pastors died, Rev. Wm. H.
Schilling March 29, 1902 age 65 and Rev. Cleon Schilling at his
home in Magnolia, Miss. in 1910.

     Rev. J.W. Powell served the church as pastor during the 
years of 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904.  H.B. Lambert was elected Clerk
April 12, 1902.  He served until 1904.  Mr. Lambert was succeeded
by Nefus T. Bridges who served until 1911.

     In 1905, Rev. J.J. Walker and Rev. Charles Kimberlin in
1906, pastor of this church.  In 1907 and 1908 Rev. Powell again
pastored the church and did great things for the Lord.

     In 1909 and 1911, Rev. L.E. Green, was the pastor.  On 
the fourth Sunday in April 1911 memorial services were held for
Grant R. Taylor who had died Saturday Oct. 15, 1910.  Pastor L.
E. Green delivered the Memorial service.  Brother Taylor has
served as Clerk and deacon, during his membership at the church,
since 1870.

     New Zion Church again called Rev. J.W. Powell in 1912 and
1913.  Gibbie McMillan elected church clerk in 1911.  B.T. Young
presented the church with record book No. 3 in 1912.  Charles T.
Smith was elected church clerk and he served through the years of
1913, 1914, and 1915.  Rev. Eugene Hope was pastor of the church
for the years 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918.  Again in 1914,
Gibbie McMillan was elected Church Clerk.

ST. HELENA ECHO - January 26, 1951

According to church records and memory reproduction of Mrs. 
Florence I. Taylor George.  Compiled and edited by Mrs. George.

     In 1919, Rev. F.E. Morgan became the pastor of the church.
Rev. C.M. Taylor was pastor in 1920.  Rev. I.E. Corkern was pas-
tor in 1921.  Writer did not find any regular pastor for 1922, but
church pulpit was filled by visiting preachers.

     Rev. Ernest Stewart was pastor for the years of 1923 and 1924.
Rev. R.W. Anderson was pastor in 1925.  Writer did not find any
pastors named for 1926 and 1927.  About 1925, the church build-
ing No. 1 burned.  J.W. Strickland was made Clerk in the year of
1924.  Church minutes show there were no minutes recorded from
October, 1924 to October 14, 1928.  Minutes between these dates
were lost.

     New church building No. 2 built on the same site, in summer
of 1927 and was dedicated on second Sunday in August, 1927.  Pray-
er was made by Jeff D. Easley, Mrs. Bessie Smith acted as organ-
ist.  Rev. Emile Causey of Gloster, Miss., delivered the dedic-
tory sermon.  The new pulpit in the new church building (No. 2)
was donated by Mrs. Charles A. Kent (Mrs. Estelle Prescott Kent)
of Kentwood, La.  Mrs. Kent is the granddaughter of Willis H.
Strickland, founder of the Tangipahoa Baptist Church, Tangipahoa,
Louisiana, in 1844.

     The first conference held in the new church building was on
Sunday, October 14, 1928.  Rev. F.S. Rushton was called to the
pastorate of the church.  Homecoming Services were held on Sunday,
April 15, 1929.  Gibbie McMillan, Church Clerk, read a history of
the church from Sept. 18, 1869, to April 1929.  Preaching was by
the pastor and dinner was served on the ground.

     At the afternoon service, the pastor introduced Mrs. Caroline
H. Strickland Taylor to the congregation as the oldest living mem-
ber of the church.  Mrs. Taylor was 82 years of age.  The aged
member made a talk stating how glad she was to be present but sad
when she missed so many from their accustomed seats and she re-
peated the words found in First Samuel 26:18, "Then Jonathan said
to David, tomorrow is the new moon and thou shalt be missed because
their seat will be empty."  Mrs. Taylor closed by stating that to-
morrow will be missed as her seat might be empty.

     In 1930-1931, Rev. L.E. Green was elected pastor, Gibbie
McMillan church clerk.  Last minutes recorded in book No. 3 Octo-
ber 18, 1931.  Deacon Preston serving 35 years one (1) month and
nine (9) days.  From church book No. 4, L.E. Green was pastor in
1932-33.  Guy O. Tate was clerk and Eual Frazier, Treasurer.  Mrs.
Caroline H. Strickland Taylor, the oldest member of the church,
died Friday, May 6, 1932, at her home in Tangipahoa, La. aged 85
years, five (5) months and 26 days.  Funeral services conducted by
Rev. L.E. Green on Saturday, May 7, 1932 at 10 a.m.  Interment
was in Strickland-Taylor Cemetery, Sixth (6) Ward, St. Helena Par-
ish, La.  Sister Taylor had united with this church by letter
April, 1870.  Mrs. Taylor united with Line Creek Baptist Church,
St. Helena Parish, La., on profession of faith and baptism in 
1860.  Baptism was administered by Rev. Peter H. Turner.  Mrs.
Taylor was always an exemplary member of this church and often
repeated these words in moral support of the pastors: "These hands
will uphold him."  (Mrs. Taylor was the mother of the writer, Mrs.
Florence I. Taylor George.)

     Rev. L.E. Green resignedo n July 27th, 1933.  Rev. C.D.
Daniels, pastor balance of 1933.  Strickland was the church clerk.
Conference hald on December 10, 1933 and paid balance on the pia-
no, $3.80.  Rev. T.J. Delaughter, pastor in 1934 and E.J. Newman
was Clerk.  Rev. Delaughter was also pastor in 1935 and Miss Ionie
Schwartz was clerk.  Rev. Percy Corkern was pastor 1936-1937.  At 
this time, church went to half-time.  Homecoming was held on second
Sunday in June, 1937.  James Frazier, Clerk, Howard Courtney was
ordained minister on August 26, 1936 with following deacons pre-
sent: H.H. Frazier; Alex Frazier from Red Bluff Baptist Church;
George Easley and Muse W. Alford, deacons of New Zion Church; and
Arch Lambert, a deacon of Bethel Baptist Church.  Ministers pre-
sent: Rev. Sam R. Gordon of Amite, La., Chairman of the Ordaining
Council and T. Bennett and Rev. Percy A. Corkern.  Ordination ser-
mon was preached by Rev. Percy A. Corkern.  At this time, Rev. Mr.
Courtney was presented with a Bible.  Services were closed by
singing one verse of "I Need Thee Every Hour."

     J. Hugh Frazier and Jessie Lee were nominated for deacons on
Jan. 10, 1937, in book No. 4, page 95, Oct., 1938.  Deacons names
given: George Easley, M.W. Alford, J.E. Frazier, Willie Newman,
J.P. Easley, N.T. Bridges, E.G. Frazier, Treasurer; Clerk was
Maurice Easley.  Rev. Howard Courtney was pastor in 1938.  Did not
find any record for pastor for 1939 and 1940.  Did not find any
minutes from Oct. 16, 1938 to July 27, 1941.  Electric lights
installed in church in 1941.  Writer did not find any pastor for
1942.  Last minutes in Book No. 4, March 22, 1942, Clyde Travis,
Clerk, and Deacon M.W. Alford, serving as Moderator.  Book No. 5
dated March, 1943, Rev. Jones was pastor.  Rev. Eugene Roberts,
pastor in 1944, 1945, 1946, and 1947.  T. Benton Frazier was the
church clerk.  Church went to full-time about 1946.  Rev. McGuire
was pastor in 1948.

     Cash deed fromEdgar Travis to New Zion Baptist Church, Jan.
16, 1948.  15.60 acres herein represented by the Treasurer, A.W.
Enga and its Board of Trustees, composed of J.H. Frazier, Robert
Lee McNabb, Mrs. J.H. McNabb, Mrs. Irene Easley and Everett Eas-
ley, authorized by a resolution of said church, its successors,
heirs and assigns, all and singular, the following described pro-
perty to W. 15.60/100 acres in S.W. 1/4 of S. 1/4 of Sec. 29, T.L.S.
R.E. in St. Helena Parish, La. lying south of the Chipola Highway
No. __ together with all buildings and its improvements thereon.
Witnesses: Maurice Easley and S.S. Reid, ___ Amite, La.
Jan. 16, 1948.  Fanny Burch, Notary Public.

     Rev. Clyde Jones became pastor in 1949.  Rev. T.A. Woolbright
called February 26, 1950 for an indefinite time.  Mrs. Ione S.
Williams was Church Clerk.  On January __, 1949, New Zion Baptist
Church donated to New Zion Community Cemetery Association, five
(5) of the above 15.60/100 acres, the west . . . that was bought
from Edgar Travis.  Church was represented at this transaction by
Willie Newman, George D. Easley, J.H. Frazier, and M.W. Alford.
Witnesses were Hillery Smith and E.J. Newman and Edwin C. Schil-
ling, Notary Public.

     On July 30, 1950, Homecoming Day was observed.  Hundreds
were in attendance.  Rev. T.A. Woodbright, pastor, presided
over both morning and afternoon services.  Rev. Paul Stevens of
Greenville, S.C. was the visiting preacher and he spoke at the
eleven o-clock hour on the "Second Coming of Christ".  Following
the morning service, a picnic lunch was served on the ground.  At
the afternoon session, the oldest member of the church was pre-
sent.  Mrs. Esther Travis, age 93 years, was recognized and pre-
sented with a gift from the church.  Deacons introduced at this
meeting were George Easley, Muse W. Alford, Willie Newman, J.
Hugh Frazier.  Personnel of the Building Committee are Johnnie
Alford, Eual Frazier, Robert Lee McNabb, Alton Travis, and Willie
Newman.

     Then the pastor introduced Mrs. Carolyn G. North of Tangipa-
hoa, La., who was to read the church history from Sept. 18, 1869
to June 5, 1950.  This history had been compiled by Mrs. North's
mother, Mrs. Florence I. Taylor George of Tangipahoa, La. for
many years a member of this church and a daughter of Grant R.
Taylor and his wife, Caroline H. Strickland Taylor.  Before read-
ing the history of the church Mrs. North was asked to introduce
members in her party, who were in attendance at the Homecoming
service namely, Mrs. Florence I. Taylor George, Mrs. Harry B.
Bridges of Tangipahoa, La., Mrs. Janie Taylor Smith, Mrs. Etta
Brumfield, and her son Rube, Mrs. Lura William Rutland, all of
Roseland, La.; and Mrs. Caroline Spencer Nicholls of Lubbock,
Texas.  Mrs. Nicholls was the granddaughter of the late Rev. Evan
Spencer who was licensed and ordained to preach the gospel by New
Zion Church, in 1876 and 1879, respectively.  Mrs. Nicholls had
been accompanied to New Zion by relatives, whom she had been vis-
iting near Tangipahoa, La.  (Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Varnado)

     The church history was read and accepted and Mrs. North clos-
ed by reading the biography of Henry W. Strickland, who was the
original donor of the site of land of New Zion Baptist Church and
Mrs. George, writer of the history of the church, promised that
she would write the biography and genealogy of Austin W. Smith,
who was once a deacon of this church.

     Officers of the church for 1950-51: Pastor - T.A. Wood-
bright; Church Clerk - Ione S. Williams; Assistant Treasurers -
H.E. Frazier, Johnny Flaord and Vera Schwartz.  Church Librarian
is Mrs. T.A. Woodbright; Assistan - Caroline Burch.  Church Re-
porter is Annie Lilly; Assistant - Barbara Dell Burch.  Committee
for cleaning of Church - Albert Harrell, Mrs. H.E. Frazier, Mrs.
Alice Bridges.  Board of Deacons - George Easley, Muse W. Alford,
Willie Newman and J.H. Frazier.  Buildings and Grounds Committee -
Robet McNabb, Johnny Alford, Willie Newman, Alton Travis and
Eual Frazier.  The church enrollment is 350.

     Sunday School Superintendent is Robert Lee McNabb; Associate
Sunday School Superintendent - Mrs. Rena Burch; Secretary of the
Sunday School - Miss Annie Lilly; Superintendent of Adult Depart-
ment - Flavius Alford; Secretary - Mrs. Elva Mae Alford; Pianist -
Mrs. Lois Alford.  Teacher of Adult Men's Class is J.H. Frazier;
Women's Class - Mrs. Neva Newman; Superintendent of Young People's
Dept. - Mrs. Ionie Williams; Secretary - Miss Wilma Lee Bridges;
Pianist - Mrs. Lois Lambert.  Teachers of Young People's Class -
Mrs. Lois Lambert; Intermediate Girls No. 1, Mrs. Thelma Frazier;
No. 2, Mrs. Jessie Bob Alford; Boy's, Mrs. Hettie Allen; Sussti-
tute - Mrs. Inez Travis; Superintendent of Junior Dept. - Mrs.
Nannie Bell McNabb, Mr. Wilburn Schwartz; Secretary - Mrs. T.A.
Woodbright; Teacher of Junior Boy's - Mr. Leonard Newman; Teacher
of Primary Boy's - Mr. Johnny Alford; Teacher of Primary Girls - 
Mrs. Maud Williams; Teacher of Beginner Girls - Mrs. Nettie Fra-
zier; Teacher of Beginner Boy's - Mr. Charles Bridges.  Superin-
tendent of Nursery Department - Mrs. Madell Newman, Mrs. Louise
Easley and Miss Vera Schwartz.  Number enrolled in Sunday School 
is 122.

     Brotherhood President is Willie Newman; Training Union Dir-
ector - Mrs. Eliza Travis; ASsociate Training Director - Mr.
Wilburn Schwartz; Secretary for Training Union - Miss Shirley Ann
Birch; President of the Adult Women's Union - Mrs. Rena Burch and
the Associate President - Mrs. Wilton Butler.  Counsellor for
Young People - Mrs. Nannie Belle McNabb; Junior Boys Leader - Miss
Joan Thibault; Story Hour Leader - Mrs. Neva Newman; Primary -
Miss Vera Schwartz and Miss Wilma Lee Bridges.  The enrollment is
83.

     Above church officers and personnel of Sunday School and
Training Union, were copied from St. Helena Echo, Greensburg, La.
dates Oct. 6, 1950, Oct. 20, 1950 as submitted by Annie Lilly,
Church Reporter of New Zion Baptist Church.

Mrs. F.I. Taylor George
Tangipahoa, Louisiana
Monday, Oct. 23, 1950