Centinnial Celebration of  First Baptist Church, Leesville, Louisiana
Submitted by Pam Smart



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Information taken from the First Baptist Church Cenntinial Celebration 
newspaper with permission.

The First Baptist Church in Leesville celebrated their centennial 
celebration on September 13, 1998. Organized in 1898, the first 
pastor was S.C. Self.  In 1901 the church was located on Lee 
Street, and there were 29 members by letter and 10 by baptism. 
Their pastor at that time, T.D. Bush, was paid $413.00 for the 
year. By 1906, the church had grown to 149 members. Six missions 
have been started by FBC and they include First Baptist Church 
in New Llano, 1942; Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1945; East Leesville 
Baptist Church, 1945; South Park Baptist Church, 1947; Oak Forrest 
Baptist Church, 1949; and Sandy Hill Baptist Church, 1976. In 
1940-1941, groundbreaking was held for the new church on Fifth 
Street. During this time period the pastor was E.E. Fields. Opening 
on March 28, 1948, the church library was the first library in Vernon 
Parish.  Miss Alyce Haight directed the library when it opened, and 
served as librarian for 42 years. Services were held at this location 
until the mid 1960s when it became apparent a better building and more 
space was needed. In 1967 groundbreaking was held at the new location 
on the Texas Highway, and on February 19, 1969 the first service was 
held in the new church. Dedication was held on April 27, 1969. The 
church is still located on Texas Street, but has added a Christian 
Life Center, and purchased adjoining property.