HISTORY OF ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH, Union Parish Louisian Submitted by Mary Davis-Odom Compiled by Nell Odom-Williams ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ On September 4, 1841, Zion Hill Baptist Church organized northwest of Farmerville off Highway 15 on Parish Road 3603. The organization of the church and the first services were held in a split log school building one mile east of the present site. The first building was used for church worship until the close of the years- 1848. The charter members of the church were as follows: David Hendrix, John Ferguson, Betsy Handly, Mary Wainright, Sampson J. Larkin, Sampson B. Thomas and Shadrick Jones. In the organiztion of the church, at the time the names were selected, Samson J. Larkin, Samsom B. Thomas and Shadrick Jones acted as the presbytery. Following the business session, the doors of the church were opened for the reception of new members. Ellen Hodge united with the church on profession of faith, becoming the first member of the church to unit by baptism. On October 5, 1841, the church met in a business session and elected David Hendrix as church clerk, and John Ferguson and David Hendrix as deacons. The church had no regular preacher. Regular services were carried on by the deacons and church members. On July 10, 1844 Rev. Haywood Alford visited the church and preached it's first sermon on that date. He was called as pastor of the church and accepted, becoming the first pastor. In the early days of the church, negros were admitted to membership. The first negro member was a man named Mason and was united with the church on November 24, 1844. David Hendrix resigned from the position of church clerk after having served for a period of three years and five months. T. B. Pollard was elected to the office. On March 21, 1845, the church adopted a resolution to carry out the ordinance of washing the Saint's feet and they set the months of April, June and September of each year to be the set time in which to observe this ordinance. *(This ordinance is not in effect at present date) In August 1845, a committee of seven, J. M. Hendrix, James E. Jones, John Matthews, William Austin, Powhantan Boatright, Mose Pearson, and W. Rayborne, were appointed by the church to locate a site on which to build a new church building. In September 1845, the committee reported that a site had been selected at Cooley's Springs. In February, 1846, Samson B. Thomas was called to pastor the church, succeeding Rev. Haywood Alford. In January, 1847, John Matthews was ordained and set apart to the office of Deacon of the church, making him the first deacon to be ordained by the church. In September, 1848, J. E. Jones, John Matthews, and J. T. Matthews were appointed as a committee to build a church building on the site selected. This site was on land owned by R. Frank Rabun. Forty-six years later, in November 1893, the land was donated to the church. The building was erected in 1848. Its construction was of split logs with seats of split logs. A big chimney was on one end. Planking was used for the floor and stage. In September 1849, a great revival was held with Rev. Jesse Tubbs doing the preaching. Forty-two were baptized in what is known as Boatright Creek, and seven were added by letter. In November, 1849, John Odom and John McFarland were ordained and set apart to the office of Deacon. Rev. Tubbs and Will Wade acted as presbytery. L. W. Ramsey served as spokesman for the church. In November, 1849, Rev. George Everett was called to pastor the church, following Rev. Tubb. In November 1850 David McFarland was succeeded as Church clerk by D. M. Harris. In December 1850 Rev. Tubbs was again called to pastor the church replace Rev. George Everett. In January 1853 Rev. S. B. Thomas followed Rev. Tubbs as church pastor. L. W. Ramsey was elected Church Clerk, replacing D. M. Harris. In June 1859 S. J. Beaird was elected to the office of Church Clerk. He followed L. W. Ramsey's six-year tenure in that office. In January 1862 W. D. Regan was elected to replace S. J. Beaird as church clerk. In October 1864, Rev. S. C. Lee was called to pastor the church, following Rev. Joab Pratt's eight year pastorship. In April 1866, S. T. Beaird was elected church clerk. In September, 1866, R. Agerton, John Odom, Jesse Odom, and S. T. Beaird were named as a committee to build a new church building. A large two story lumber building was built the same year. The first floor was used for church worship and the second floor was used as a Masonic Lodge Hall. This building was built on the present church site. In June 1870 Rev. S. T. Cobb was called to pastor following Rev. S. C. Lee, who had served for a term of six years. On the same day G. A. Kilgore was elected church clerk to follow S. T. Beaird's four year term in that office. In November 1871 Rev. L. E. Abbott was called to pastor the church, replacing Rev. Cobb. In August 1876 Rev. John Everett was called to pastor the church, following Rev. L. E. Abbott's five year term of service. Joseph Abbott was elected to office of church clerk. He followed G. A. Kilgore in that office after he had served six years. In September 1878 R. M. Tatum was elected church clerk replacing Joseph Abbott. In June, 1879 Joseph Abbott was re-elected to office of church clerk. In January 1880 Rev. L. B. Abbott was called to pastor the church. In April 1881 Rev. D. E. Burk was called to pastor the church. In July, 1881 W. D. Regan was ordained and set apart to the office of Deacon. Rev. Freeman, S. C. Cobb and B. F. Tubbs acted as presbytery. In November 1882 Rev. A. J. Calloway was called to serve as church pastor. In February 1884 J. P. Abbott was elected to office of church clerk. In January 1885 Rev. William Hunt was called to pastor the church. In November 1888 Benjamin F. Odom was elected to office of church clerk. In January 1888 Rev. L. B. Abbott was re-called to serve the church as pastor. In March, 1893 Jesse Odom was ordained and set apart to office of Deacon of the church. Rev. L. B. Abbott, J. U. H. Wharton and Rev. Sommons acted as presbyter. E. J. Lee and W. D. Regan were spokesman for the church. In October 1893 P. H. McVicker was elected to office of church clerk. In August, 1894 after having served as pastor for six years, Rev. L. B. Abbott resigned from his indefinite call and was replaced by Rev. W. T. Smith. In January 1894 Benjamin F. Odom was re-elected to office of church clerk. In August 1895 W. H. Regan was elected to office of church clerk. In September 1896 Rev. N. F. Gathright was called to pastor the church. In September 1896 P. H. McVicker was re-elected as church clerk. In August 1897 W. H. Regan was re-elected as church clerk. In August 1899 William A. Odom was elected church clerk. In July 1900 Rev. D. H. Webb was called to pastor the church. In September 1902 W. P. Tucker was elected as church clerk. In October, 1902 Jasper Newton Tucker was ordained and set apart to the office of deacon, with Rev. D. H. Webb and Charlie Webb acting as presbytery. William A. Odom was spokesman for the church. In May 1903, a new building committee was appointed by the church to see to and construct a new church building. It consisted of George Henry Tucker, Jasper Newton Tucker, Willis P. Tucker, and W. L. Reagan. The two-story building was torn down and replaced with a new one. In September 1904 Rev. D. K. Sawyers was called to pastor the church. In August 1905, Rev. W. T. Smith was called to pastor the church. In October 1906 Rev. J. V. B. Waldrop was called to pastor the church. In September 1907 W. M. Odom was elected as church clerk. In April 1908 Rev. B. F. Milam was called to pastor the church. In June, 1908 Will E. Odom, who united with Mineral Springs Church in 1901 and was ordained as a Deacon in that church in 1906, moved his membership to the Zion Hill Baptist Church and was accepted as a Deacon. In July 1908 Rev. Milam resigned and Rev. John L. Hicks was called to pastor the church. November 19ll - after serving as pastor for three years, Rev. John L. Hicks became disabled and was assisted by Rev. T. B. Hart. In August 1912 Rev. W. C. Smith was called to replace Rev. Hicks and assistant, Rev. T. B. Hart. In September 1928 Rev. G. C. Odom was pastor and O. E. Turnage was church clerk. In October, 1928, a committee was elected to revise the church roll and check on delinquent members. They were J. N. Tucker, P. J. Tucker, G. S. Odom, W. M. Odom, and O. E. Turnage. In March, 1929 former pastor, Rev. J. D. Crawford died. Letter of sympathy sent to the family by members J. F. Tucker, G. S. Odom, Mrs. Mary Tucker, and W. M. Odom. Mission offering was $2.60. In July 1929, Rev. Alvis Odom held a series of revival meetings which resulted in 34 additions. In July 1929 Rev. G. C. Odom was called to pastor, O. E. Turnage was elected church clerk, Monroe Tucker was treasurer and G. S. Odom was assistant treasurer. Messengers sent to the association meeting: J. N. Tucker, Mitchel Odom, Monroe Tucker, W. H. Odom and R. B. Tucker. In November and December 1929, church services was snowed out. In August 1930 Rev. Tom L. Roberts was Pastor, W. P. Tucker was Church Clerk and H. E. Odom was Treasurer. In August 1930 - Delegates to the association meeting were H. E. Odom, C. E. Phelps, M. B. Tucker, and Mitchel Odom. Alternates were J. L. Williams and W. C. Turnage. In April 1933 a committee of five was chosen to look after the remaining portion of the church and all try to do better. They were Sister Effie Odom, Earline Tucker, Bro. J. N. Tucker, R. Tucker and H. L. Phelps. In July 1933, W. M. Odom and G. S. Odom was appointed to a committee to look after obtaining lights for the church. In August 1933, Rev. Tom L. Roberts was elected pastor, and W. P. Tucker as church clerk. (This is the one who let the mules eat the church minutes) In October 1933 a committed was appointed to look after the interest of the church. They were Bro. Sherman Odom, Floyd Moore and Monroe Tucker. November 1933 a committee was appointed to look after those walking Disorderly. They were Bro. R. Tucker, W. C. Turnage, W. M. Odom and G. H. Tucker. May, 1934 a committee was appointed to see after someone who had been intoxicated and other charges. They were Bro. Sherman Odom, W. M. Odom and Mitchell Odom. In July 1934, a committee of seven, Monroe Tucker, Sherman Odom, J. N. Tucker, Orville Odom, Tom L. Roberts and Mrs. Mitchel Odom, organized a "Sabbath school". Deacons selected were Monroe Tucker, Elwood Compton, Floyd Moore and Earnest Odom. A building committee was appointed and they were W. P. Tucker, Chairman: Monroe Tucker, Tom L. Roberts, G. S. Odom and Mitchel Odom. A motion to have "half time" preaching with our pastor, Rev. Tom L. Roberts, the pastor, to received $25.00 a month. In August 1934 officers were elected for the next year. They were Pastor or Moderator - Tom L. Roberts; Church Clerk - W. P. Tucker; Treasurer - Monroe Tucker; Assistant treasurer - Ellis Odom and Janitor - Charlie Odom. September 1934 delegates to the association meeting were W. M. Odom, W. C. Turnage, Mitchel Odom, Tom L. Roberts, Mrs. Effie Odom, Mrs. Emma Tucker, Claudis Tucker, J. J. Odom, and J. N. Tucker. October 1934 there was a motion to license Bro. Orville Odom to preach the gospel. In April 1935 Rev. E. L. Douglas was elected as new pastor and listed as moderator at the business meetings. In May, 1935 Maybelle Tucker, Martha Ann Compton, Orville Odom, and Ellis Odom were appointed to the mission board. In September, 1935 Rev. E. L. Douglas was Pastor; Orville Odom - Clerk; Sherman Odom - Treasurer; and Ellis Odom - Assistant Treasurer. January 12, 1936 - third Sabbath Eve dedicated to ordain Bro. Orville Odom to preach the gospel. Due to inclement weather, the ordaining of Bro. Orville Odom was postponed until the 4th Saturday in June. Bro. Mitchell Odom was elected to serve as clerk. On February 22, 1936, Bro. Orville Odom asked for a letter of dismissal from the church. Moderator was E. L. Douglas and Church Clerk was Mitchell Odom. In August, 1936 delegates to the association were G. S. Odom, Arthur Tucker, Mrs. Mitchell Odom, H. E. Odom, Mrs. G. S. Odom. Alternates were E. Phelps, Mitchel Odom, F. C. Moore, Mrs. F. C. Moore, and Monroe Tucker. Officers of the Church: Pastor - Bro. E. L. Douglas; Church Clerk - Arthur Tucker; Treasurer - Claude Tucker; Assistant Treasurer - Jewel Tucker; and Janitor - Jim Bivans. In November 1936, Rev. R. B. Middleton from Dubach was called to pastor the church. J. Arthur Tucker was Church Clerk. December 19, 1936 Bro. Claude Tucker resigned as treasurer and Bro. Ellis Odom took his place. September 1937: Delegates appointed to attend the association were Hub Phelps, W. M. Odom, Claude Tucker, J. L. Bevans, H. E. Odom, G. S. Odom, and W. C. Turnage. Church clerk was Arthur Tucker and treasurer was Jewell Tucker and Alton Odom. In January 1938, a committee was appointed to revise the church roll. They were W. M. Odom, G. S. Odom, and Jewel Tucker. In May, 1938 a committee was appointed to select song books. They were John F. Tucker, W. M. Odom, Ola Odom, and Effie Odom. In June, 1938 a committee was appointed to take up a collection for the song books. They were John Frank Tucker, Earline Tucker and Christine Odom. In September, 1938 Officers were elected. They were C. J. Rushing - Pastor; W. M. Odom -Church Clerk; Jewel Tucker - Treasurer; John F. Tucker - Choir director; and Lila Mae Odom - assistant. Messengers sent to the association were Bro. Elwood Compton, John F. Tucker, Monroe Tucker, and Earl Phelps. September, 1939: Rev. M. A. Treadwell - Pastor; Arvis Turnage - Church Clerk; Jewel Tucker - Treasurer. Delegates sent to the association meeting were F. C. Moore, Ernest Odom, P. J. Tucker, G. S. Odom, and Mrs. Monroe Tucker. In July 1940 a revival was held and there were seventeen additions. In May 1944, a committee was appointed to help enlarge and fence the cemetery. They were Sherman Odom, Alton Odom, Mitchel Odom, and Monroe Tucker. June 17, 1950 it was voted to tear down the church and rebuild, using as much of the used lumber as possible with free labor from the members. On September 17, 1950 a new church building was dedicated. On March 14, 1954, three new deacons were elected. They were Alton Odom, A. E. Cates, Jewel Tucker, and Marvin Spears. The church voted to have full time service. In the 1970's the church building was renovated and modernized with stain glass windows, florescent lights, walls panel, carpet and new pews. Air Conditioners were installed, a baptistery, new kitchen and fellowship hall were added. The building was bricked, with new cornice, footing and a facelift to the front. In 1980, the church purchased the Larue Ward home with four and one-half acres of land on Hiway 15 to be used as a parsonage. On September 8, 1991, the Zion Hill Baptist Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary. In 1999 the Zion Hill Baptist Church still stands; nestled in the hills of Union Parish north of Farmerville surrounded by calmness and serenity, and still very active. The Zion Hill Cemetery is located across the road from the church. There may have been some graves there prior to 1850, since the church was organized in 1841, but there are no tombstones recorded to that effect. The earliest tombstone recorded is 1850. # # #