Early Baptists in the Neutral Strip, Vernon Parish Louisinan Submitted by: Gaytha Thompson ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Early Baptists In The Neutral Strip, Sabine & Vernon Parish Source: The Leesville Leader, April 17, 1971 EARLY BAPTISTS IN THE NEUTRAL STRIP The Leesville Leader, April 17, 1971 (The following is taken from, Footsteps of the Flock, by Reverend Ivan M. Wise and is copied from the Vernon Free Starter of Aug. 1962.) The first Baptist preacher in this area is believed to have been Elder Joseph Willis, who preached on, if not beyond the Sabine River as early as 1804. In 1826, elder William cook founded Zion Hill Church on Negreet Bayou in Sabine Parish.  He also organized a church in Sabine County, Texas, becoming the first know Baptist preacher in the Lone Star State. Anacoco Church was founded in the present Vernon Parish, during the year 1855. Mt. Pleasant Church was organized April 4, 1855, located 18 miles Southwest of Leesville, on the bluffs of the Sabine River, a little South of Burr's Ferry. The church reported seven members in 1855.  James M. Welborn was Messenger, and Elder D. H. Willis was Pastoral Supply.  Rev. Wise mentions in the book, that Burr Ferry was a "crossing named for Dr. Timothy Burr of Ohio, who settled there about 1800, a relative of Aaron Burr."  There is still some dispute today over the authenticity of this relationship. The great Baptist organizer of what is now Vernon Parish was the Elder N. H. Bray.  Rev. Wise apparently knew Elder Bray personally, and has this to say about him: "Elder Bray was an Englishman, and until on in life, was considered a rough man, blasphemous, and worldly.  He and his family made their way up Red River, and settled in the Sabine country about 1843.  The record is that he and one of his neighbors, at log rollings and house raisings, especially, were rude and boisterous in their conduct.  Yet he and his boon companion, Mr. Southwell, both became good Christian men, and very useful Ministers.  Elder Bray was a leader, pastor of the strongest churches in his section, Moderator of his Association, and missionary at the highest salary of those days.  It is a pity that he did not continue entirely consecrated to the ministry.  His acquaintanship was wide, and his influence extensive.  These advantages were taken notice of by the shrewdness of certain politicians in and around Leesville.  So when Vernon Parish was laid out in 1871, Elder Bray was lured from the active pastorate into the Parish Judgeship.  In the course of time, these unsanctified political neighbors of Judge Bray became Lottery Democrats, and some of them vendors and consumers of much red whiskey.  Elder Bray soon died; it seemed, the Lord would not, let his righteous servant long continue in such compromising conditions.  When he died, February 18, 1875, the famous Louisiana Lottery was rapidly growing in strength.  It is no wonder that some of his friends became strong advocates of the infamous Lottery.  In July, 1889, Leesville was certainly a rusty, whiskey soaked, Lottery town, as this writer well remembers.  Elder Bray was buried at Anacoco Church, about four miles North of Leesville, and the Masons and friends erected a substantial monument over his grave.  May he sleep in peace.  A good man, and many will rise up and bless him." Rev. William E. Paxton, in his History of the Baptists of Louisiana (St. Louis, c1888), reported on his travels among the early churches in this religion. Rev. Paxton: "1859.  Met with Anacoco church, Sabine Parish, October 7, 1859.  The introductory was preached by Mathias Scarborough.  N. H. Bray was chosen Moderator, and J. A. Weeks, Clerk.  Providence, Macedonia and Pleasant Grove churches were admitted as members.  The churches were supplied as follows: In. N. McAlister, Zion Hill, Pleasant Hill, Little Flock and Good Hope; N. H. Bray, Many, Mt. Pleasant, Anacoco and Pleasant Grove; J. Scarborough, Bethel; W. L. Sibley, Toro; Young I. Prewett, Cedron, Good Hope, Smyrna; B. F. Robinson, Union; H. Simmons, Middle Creek; Samuel Harper, Macedonia; Providence was without a pastor.  The ordained ministers residing in the bounds of this Association were ; W. L. Sibley, I. N. McAlister, N. H. Bray, H. Simmons, Y. I. Prewett, S. Harper and E. Forshee." (The name "McAlister" may be a misprint for McCollister.) "1860.  Met with Toro church, Sabine Parish, October 19, 1860.  Missionary board consisted of M. Scarborough, Joseph Scarborough, James Martin, W. L. Sibley, Mark McAlpin, Phillip Koonce, and R. M. Cox. "1865.  Met with Anacoco Church Sabine Parish, October 14, 1865.  Nineteen churches were represented, reporting 123 baptisms and 864 members.  Providence (Rapides) is reported as dissolved; also New Hope (Sabine), Shiloh (Calcasieu), and Comrade (Rapides) were received.  The committee on obituaries note the death of Elder Henry Simmons, from which I glean the following facts: Bro. Simmons was born March 8, 1805 and died March 20, 1865.  He was converted in 1826, and joined Salem Baptist Church in 1827, and was baptized by Elder James cone.  He was licensed to preach by Bogue Chitto Church, December 25, 1837; was ordained by Jesse Crawford, Zachariah Reeves, Willis McGee, and Wm. Fortenburg.  Where he was born does not appear, but as the preachers mentioned, belonged to that part of Mississippi adjoining Livingston Parish."