Simpson Baptist Church, Vernon Parish Louisiana
Submitted by Jane Parker McManus
Date: August 8, 2013

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Source: Wise, Erbon W. Tall Pines II, A History of
Vernon Parish, Louisiana and its People. 1988. Print
Simpson Baptist Church was founded in 1927
The Simpson Baptist Church, located on Highway 8 about 18
miles from Leesville, was founded in 1927, although records
show that in 1926 a group of the founders began meeting in
a grocery store to hold services. 

This group of dedicated Baptists met in the store in the 
winter and in a brush arbor in the summer. The store, owned
by F.D. Jackson, was located near the present site of the
church.

Although there were twelve founding members, only nine names
are available for this history. They were Mr. and Mrs. Joe
Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. P.C. Windham, the Rev. and Mrs. S.C.
Stalsby, Mrs. Dixie Jackson, Mrs. Georgia Jackson and Mrs.
Maggie Goins.

Constructed on land donated by F.D. Jackson and Albert Jackson
the early church building was erected by members of the
congregation in their spare time. Pine lumber pews with straight
backs and a wood stove placed in the middle of the room provided
the simple accommodations in the early days for the worshipers.
The church used oil lamps until able to buy carbide lights. In
1938 electricity was provided for the church by the Rural 
Electrification Administration.

A four-room parsonage was built in 1938 and new pews and pulpit
furniture were purchased in 1943. This furniture is in use in
the auditorium today.

In 1945 two additional classrooms, a baptistry and a wooden
fence wew added. A tithe and offering storehouse was built 
in 1946 in order for the congregation to help pay the pastor's
salary and debts of the church. Corn, potatoes, beans, peas, and
many other vegetables were stored in the building. On one
occdasion in January, 1949, the church authorized the treasurer
to sell ten barrels of corn for $1.50 per barrel.

The first pastor in 1927 was the Rev. S.L. Bunch of Alco, who
served part time for $50 per month, and was helpful in getting
a charter for the church.

Others who served pastorates included Monroe Roberts, 1928; 
C.A. McDaniels, 1931-34; C.T. Bowden, January, 1934 to March,
1937; T.V. Owens, April-Sept., 1938; C.G. Wells, October, 1938
until December, 1940; Jerry Schmucker, January, 1941 to March,
1947; Sam Davis, C.C. Wilson, John F. Parker, Devoe Byrd, and
Welch B. Green, who all served within a five year period.

Following these pastors were Carl Day, interim pastor, 1954;
C.S. Cadwallader, March, 1955 to May, 1957; David Wright, July
1957 to June, 1959; Carl Day, October, 1959 to 1962; and Rev.
A.H. Prewitt, present pastor. [1988]

Following the incorporation of the church in 1960, a brick
auditorium was constructed and dedicated on February 12, 1961.
The old building was used for educational purposes until 1965.
Later the church acquired a new educational facility which
included the chapel, kitchen, nursery, pastor's study and
classrooms. A new parsonage is now being planned in the  
church's building program. Additional land for the church plant
was acquired from Mrs. Victoria Jackson.

Since the Rev. Prewitt assumed the pastorate in 1962, he has
guided the congregation in building the new educational 
building and installing central and cooling systems. 

The Simpson church has 122 resident members and at least that
or more non-residents.