Bethel Baptist Church History, Washington Parish, Louisiana File submitted and prepared by Carolyn Brumfield Henderson ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netscape & Ms Explorer users: If you are searching for a particular surname, locality or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere....try these few steps: 1. Goto the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of your screen 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu. 4. When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FINDWHAT ___________blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION __DOWN. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. This should highlight the item that you indicated in "find what" every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. Bethel Baptist Church History Taken from booklet "Celebrating Forty-First Anniversary"1907 - 1948, Franklinton, Louisiana Church History Bethel Baptist Church Franklinton, Louisiana Celebrating its Forty-First Anniversary 1907-1948 Rev. J. D. McAllister, Pastor Pastors Who Have Served Our Church Rev. Rawleigh Schillings* Rev. Willis Corkern* Rev. W. F. McGehee* Rev. Edwin Corkern* Rev. A. R. Womack* Rev. George Revier Rev. Richard Whittington Rev. Otis Varnado Rev. Howard Kinlaw Rev. J. C. Smith Rev. J. D. McAllister *Deceased Pastors. IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED SISTER In the year 1947, December 15, was the home-going of Mrs. J. L. Smith. This was another of God's mysteries. She was a devoted Christian wife and mother who was faithful and loyal in all her services. The memory of her cheerful disposition, her kindly smile and gracious service to the church and community will always be remembered. IN MEMORY OF MRS. ADA CORKERN (AUNT ADA) MARCH 22, 1948 Inasmuch as it has pleased our Heavenly Father to call to eternal rest one of our most consecrated members, we miss the humble spirit and influence of her life in our midst. We thank God for her life and influence while among us. We commend her life and faithful service to the members of this church. Page 1 By Mrs. Tella Brumfield. On a clear Easter Sabbath morning in the year 1906 a small group of scattered Christians met in a one room plank school building and organized a Sunday School. With out pipe or organ we sang as our first song Stand up Stand up for Jesus. Nehemiah Sylvest, the first Superintendent brought the devotion. The Teachers and officers were then elected, and the enrollment of twenty five members. After another hymn we were dismissed to meet the next Sabbath day. Teachers elected were as follows. ADULTS Mrs. Tella Sylvest Brumfield YOUNG PEOPLE AND INTERMEDIATES Mrs. John Brooks JUNIORS Mrs. Viola Sylvest Smith. BEGINNERS Mrs. Will Rawls THIS SMALL AND HUMBLE BEGINNING HAS BEEN THE MEANS OF MANY SOULS BEING SAVED FROM A DEVILS HELL. DATE CHURCH WAS ORGANIZED On June 30th, 1907 the Church was organized with Charter Members as follows. Mrs. and Mrs. Nehemiah Sylvest Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Sylvest Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Bankston Mrs. Tella Sylvest Brumfield Mrs. Mary Dickerson Mr. and Mrs. Benny Fisher Mrs. John Brooks Mrs. Seymour Brumfield Mr. Andrew Frickie, Sr. Mrs. W. P. Bulloch Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Smith DATE CHURCH WAS BUILT In the fall of 1907 those responsible for the building were: Nehemiah Sylvest L. L. Bankston __________________________________________ Those who made it possible by Gifts Nehemiah Sylvest J. L. Smith L. L. Bankston E. C. Harvey Andrew Fricke, Sr. J. D. Sylvest Seymour Brumfield George O. Brumfield ADDITION TO THE CHURCH IN 1939 Under the faithful leadership of Rev. J. C. Smith, who served the church as pastor for eight years and six months, built an addition to the church building of ten Sunday School rooms. He was responsible for the growth of the church under his excellent leadership. When he accepted the work of the church, it was a part time church but when he served a short while, it grew into a full time work. There is much tribute to be paid to Rev. J. C. Smith for his untiring effort in the work of the Lord. THE NEW CHURCH BUILDING Dedicated July 18, 19 Under the wise and noble leadership of the pastor, Rev. J. D. McAllister, the new church was built. On the night of September 26, 1946, the pastor called a number of service men together and presented his idea and plans for a new church. This group of faithful members pledged themselves to start the building if the church would back them up. They made the proposition to the church that the service men would see that the walls were built if the church as a whole would finish it. The church accepted the challenge and work was begun immediatley. Under the leadership of the faithful pastor, all materials were paid for as was used; although some 20 months passed before it was completed. Now Bethel Church and community has something to be thankful for.For the past 12 years the church has made much progress spiritually and financially under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Smith and the present pastor Rev. J. D. McAllister. MAY THE BLESSINGS OF GOD EVER BE UPON BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH. DONATED LABOR ON CHURCH BUILDING J. D. McAllister............................ 1050 Hours A. W. Foy................................... 250 " R. S. Jenkins................................ 312 " A. D. Fisher................................. 296 " Allen Jenkins................................ 42 " Carey Phares................................ 142 " D. C. Fisher................................. 81 " T. C. Sylvest................................ 22 " Chris Sylvest................................ 19 " Andrew Frickie............................ 106 " Ellis Goings.................................. 105 " J. O. Bickham ............................. 28 " Olan Corkern............................... 7 " Billy Sylvest................................. 95 " Macauley Welch........................... 39 " Lawrence Sylvest.......................... 14 " Otha Jones...................................... 16 " Max O. Brumfield........................ 8 " George Frickie............................ 196 " Emmett Piggott........................... 14 " Cluster Sylvest................................ 89 " Billy Hoggatt................................... 4 " Felda Walters................................. 455 " Leonard Corkern........................... 64 " Joe Phares.................................... 65 " Floyd Fisher.................................. 26 " Jep Burkhalter............................... 248 " Buster Burkhalter.......................... 8 " P. D. Smothers.............................. 11 " Fred Leonard................................. 43 " Vick Stringfield.............................. 13 " J. M. Daniels................................. 20 " Sam Clark...................................... 40 " Dolan Walters................................ 44 " Charles Creel................................. 8 " Early Ballard.................................. 48 " Houston Creel............................... 38 " Clyde Walters................................ 8 " A. H.Walters.................................. 32 " Milson Walters............................... 37 " W. F. Carr...................................... 46 " Gordon Smith.................................. 31 " John Welch...................................... 50 " Nolan Summerall.............................. 22 " Richard Smith................................... 3 " Claude Walters................................ 8 " Sammy Sylvest................................ 20 " Joe Floyd Sylvest.............................. 16 " Billy Creel................................ 16 " Charley Creel.............................. 14 " James Walters............................. 8 " James Corkern.............................. 19 " Dallas Erwin................................... 3 " Hayden Fortenbury............................... 8 " Johnnie Williams................................ 4 " Arlie Creel..................................... 8 " Ashley Stringfield.............................. 4 " Denman Stringfield.............................. 22 " Wilmer Spinks................................... 4 " Franklin Carr................................... 31 " Layton Carr..................................... 31 " Ulman Sylvest................................... 4 " Donald Walters.................................. 8 " Earl Corkern.................................... 15 " Curtis Brumfield................................ 22 " James B. Taylor................................. 5 " James Busby..................................... 13 " Ray Dykes....................................... 8 " Gerald Welch.................................... 4 " Ralph Walters................................... 8 " Jewel Walters................................... 8 " Kenneth Creel................................... 8 " O. J. Walker.................................... 3 " Stanley Thigpen................................. 1 " Roy Thigpen..................................... 28 " Nelson Davis.................................... 8 " Hewett Piggott.................................. 15 " Delma McAllister................................ 30 " John Robert Jones............................... 60 " Fleet Smith........................................30 " CASH PAID OUT for labor on Church Building Iva Melton for laying blocks.......................... $262.30 T. E. Adams (for cutting logs).......................... 22.50 Sonny Carden (and sharpening saws)...................... 2.00 Willie J. Roberts....................................... 31.50 John Warren............................................. 43.20 Major Stanley........................................... 5.00 Earl Core for plastering and stuccoing ....... 565.00 Felda Walters........................................... 63.00 Anges Brumfield......................................... 4.50 Nails................................................... 66.01 Bogalusa Lumber Co...................................... 432.03 M. Marx and Sons........................................ 403.26 Amite Building Supply................................... 34.29 Burris Bros. Ltd........................................ 14.61 Murphy Bateman.......................................... 12.53 Magee & Corkern......................................... 28.54 Fendalson Cabinet Works................................. 84.19 Vessier Machine Works................................... 13.45 Rankin & Co. (Columbia, Miss.).......................... 10.00 Pittsburg Glass Co...................................... 18.52 C. S. E. Babington...................................... 9.06 Ralph Wilson............................................ 21.00 Russell Co...........................2.................. 7.92 Forrest City Hardward Co. N. C. Door hinges.... 12.24 Stanley Thigpen................... Cement & Blocks.. 909.81 Arthur Roberts - Sawing lumber & materials..................... 610.25 Sears, Roebuck & Co. ...light fixtures......................... 22.50 Burris Bros. Ltd............................................... 155.26 Murphy Bateman....................................... DONATIONS For Fixtures and Equipment Mr. &. Mrs. Max O. Brumfield for Lights .........................177.60 For seats -- In memory of Mrs. J. L. Smith Mrs. J. L. Smith Fleet Smith Mirah Smith Hulon Smith Gorfon Smith Ruth S. Flowers Ruby Brumfield Donna B. Speights Maxie S. Foster Maude S. Bickham Woodrow Smith ............................................. $1771.01 DONATIONS FOR FIXTURES Don H. Bickham One 48"fan...................................................$129.00 Arlie Creel Houston Creel Buster Burkhalter One 48" fan.................. 111.00 Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Thigpen and Roy Thigpen Baptistry Installation....................................400.00 Mr., and Mrs. Clifton Wales Mr. and Mrs. Denman Strignfield Piano..............................................................655.00 Mr. and Mrs. J. Williams Carpets for floors....................................370.00 Mr. and Mrs. Horace Walters Pulpitfurniture......................................................................200.00 A HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL. WRITTEN JULY 6, 1933 BY ANDREW FRICKE, SR. At the earnest desires and kind requests of the present members of Bethel Baptist Church and Sunday School, the following historical review, commemorating the foundation of the church is here submitted. In connection thereto, it is needless to state that in writing a memorable sketch of the Sunday School and church, its conception in infancy to its fulfilment as an ideal body, biographical mention to the Christian origination to whom due regard, respect, honor and credit cannot be over-looked or omitted because it was to his persistant efforts, regardless of the many disappointments, stumbling-blocks and criticisms, that were encounterd with that through his courage and determination and those in cooperating, all lending a willing hand and help, the final start was made. So one bright Sabbath morning, a small band of Christians, endowed with a strong impulse of the missionary spirit backed by a united Christian effort, met at what was then known as Bell School House. Previous to this meeting, a long felt want and necessity had been felt and realized by those who had the kingdom of our Lord at heart and the realization and necessity of providing spiritual enlightenment for the neighborhood children who were on act of distance and weather conditions unable to attend Sunday School service, hence the necessity of providing for more convenient Sunday School facilities for them. The memory of that little building, the cheerful willing faces of good will inscribed upon the countenances of each and everyone as they met from time to time, will always remain to all a tender and pleasant recollection of the past. Wonderful and true is the Holy Word of God, for he says, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there will I be in the midst of them." When Mr. Nehemiah Sylvest as their leader and selected superintendent, there was formed and organized the following classes with teachers as to the best of our memory: Adults - Mrs. Tella Sylvest Brumfield; Young people and Intermediates - Mrs. John Brooks; Juniors -Mrs. Viola Sylvest Smith; Beginners - Mrs. Will Rawls. And what has since developed into what is now known as Bethel Baptist Church and Sunday School. The success of that first effort after the organization of the Sunday School in the school house was so encouraging with the united spirit, good-will and efforts all so evident and the joy and satisfaction of everyone interested so eminent, there arose, we may say, a guiding super-natural impulse and desire on the part of all to be united together in church fellowship. Upon this conception, the united efforts of the following 16 members were enrolled: Nehemiah Sylvest; L. L. Bankston, J. L. Smith, J. D. Sylvest, Andrew Fricke, Sr., B. T. Fisher, Mrs.Nehemiah Sylvest, Mrs. Susan Brooks, Miss Winnie Sylvest, Mrs. L. L. Bankston, Miss Wina Brumfield, Mrs. Tella Brumfield, Mrs. Mary Fisher, Mrs. Amanda Fisher, Mrs. Beatrice Bulloch and Mrs. J. L. Smith. The foregoing members having received their letters of dismission from their respective churches, by mutual understanding in Christian unity met at the little school house on the 30th day of June, 1907. The above mentined number of baptized believers in the Lord met and organized a church. Rev. J. U. Vining was called to act as temporary chairman and moderator. By unanimous vote they signified their satisfaction with each other as charter members and then and there entered into a church convenant with each other. The following ministers were invited to serve in the permanent organizatin; Rev. J. U. Vining, Rev. C. T. Corkern, Rev. W. S. Riley, Rev. J. A. Passman and Rev. J. R. Schillings.The following pastors have from time to time served the church: Rev. J. R. Schilling who held by re-appointment his position as pastor from June 30, 1907 to January 21, 1911 inclusive; three years seven months, Rev. Willis Corkern served from January 31, 1911 to September 11, 1911 inclusive; eight months; Rev. W. F. McGeehee served from October 15, 1911 to September 28, 1919, inclusive; seven years eleven months; Rev. Edwin F. Corkern served from Feb. 7,1920 to Jan. 9, 1921, eleven months; Rev. A. R. Womack served from Feb. 3, 1921 to August 1922, inclusive, 1 year 7 months. There was a vacancy of approximately a year when minutes were not recorded. Rev. G. W. Reviere served from April 1923 to Jan. 26, 1924. The later records are very inadequate and give no data. But, we know that Rev. Richard Whittington served an unknown period of time and Rev. O.A. Varnado who is now serving the church as pastor-- July 1933. It will be gratifying and of interest to briefly mention that 55 days after the organization a move was made and Nehemiah Slyvest and Andrew Fricke were selected to purchase ground to build the church upon. Immediately after this deed was secured for the church property of school and cemetery, a building committee was appointed October 26, 1907. The necessary financial aid was soon acquired and cheerfully donated, some giving as much as $100.00 and some $75.00. The land (two acres) was soon acquired from the Standard Land Co. The building committee with the aid and cooperation of the supervision of Mr. Sam Glaze, the church building was soon erected. It will also be gratifying to the present membership to learn and no doubt satisfactorily be remembered by some of the older members that through the cooperation, prayers, and Christian influence of this church some of the most eminent and noted divine shining lights prevailing in the Kingdom of our Lord, at the present time was conceived and inaugerated and assisted both materially and spiritually through the Christian efforts of the then prevailing membership. We who know, understand and realize can feel conscientiously blessed and grateful in mind and soul that through the grace of Him, the giver of all good things, coupled with the Christian influence and prayers that accompanied those that have had spiritual relationship with the church, the fruits of that influence has in evidence mouldered itself in the lives of those who served. The minutes of the year 1907: On October 23, 24, 25 the Parish Association met with the Pearl River Baptist Church. At this associational meeting, the churches of Bogalusa, Palestine and Bethel were received into the Washington Parish Association. Mr. Nehemiah Sylvest and L. L. Bankston were delegates to the association. We who yet remain, feel gratified and assured that he who guides our destinies has been rightously instrumental in the existence of Bethel Baptist Church from its infancy and organization to the present time. The expressions of the foregoing words became doubly assured and eminent and realized when we take into consideration the conditions of the origin of this church and especially the selection of him as the chosen instrument to accomplish God's purpose; To whom all the credit and honor must be given in memory to him held dear to the hearts and souls of not only those that are near and dear to him through relationship but to all and by all from Christian relationship who really know and understood him and learned to love him - MR. NEHEMIAH SYLVEST. It was through his Christian persistence, determination and desires to leave those that came after him an inheritance more worthy and valuable than silver and gold. The church was named "Bethel." It was through his Christian leadership, financial aid and continual attendance that the church was upheld and made almost an ideal church. He lived to accomplish no doubt in satisfaction the Father's will and wish. No worthier words can be quoted in memory of him than the beautiful lines of expression taken from the poem of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: "Lives of great men oft' remind us We could make our lives sublime And, departing, leave behind us, Foot-prints on the sands of time." CASH PAID OUT for concrete wall BY W.M.U. Ladies...........................................$108.00 For painting inside of auditorium..................62.00 Painting picure in Bapistry .......................50.00 DONATIONS FOR FIXTURES YOUNG MARRIED MEN'S CLASS Song Books..............................................52.00 YOUNG MARRIED LADIES' CLASS Communion Set................................................36.00 YOUNG PEOPLE'S CLASS Christian and American Flags.......................30.00 DONATION FOR FIXTURES INTERMEDIATE GIRLS Sunday School Record Plaque........................ 9.50 INTERMEDIATE BOYS Training Union Record Plaque....................... 9.50 BEGINNERS CLASS Mrs. Iris Burkhalter and class PulpitLamp.....................................17.50 DONATIONS On Church Building Donals Walters.............................................$20.00 Max Brumfield....................................... 20.00 O. J. Walker........................................ 15.00 Garland Hoggatt..................................... 10.00 A. D. Fisher........................................ 10.00 Mrs. Clifton Wales...................................13.65 Mrs. T. E. Phares....................................10.00 Dolan Walters........................................10.00 Ambus Myles..........................................10.00 Mrs. George Frickie..................................10.00 Andrew Walters.......................................20.00 Chris Sylvest........................................10.00 Cluster Sylvest......................................10.00 Arlie Creel.......................................... 5.00 Mrs. J. L. Smith..................................... 5.00 A. W. Foy............................................ 5.00 Mrs. Earlie Ballard.................................. 1.00 Joe Wagner........................................... 2.00 Sam Clark.............................................1.00 Denman Stringfield....................................3.00 Floyd Fisher..........................................1.00 Houston Creel.........................................1.00 Mrs. Johnny Seal..................................... .50 Damon Varnado.........................................4.00 Charles Creel.........................................2.00 Miss Lillie Myles.................................... 2.00 Buster Burkhalter....................................20.00 Mrs. Andrew Walters..................................25.00 Gordon Smith.........................................10.00 O. J. Walker.........................................50.00 GordonSmith..........................................10.00 EllisGoings..........................................10.00 Stanley Thigpen...................................... 5.00 Jim bickham..........................................20.00 Mrs. T. E. Adams.................................... 1.00 Ralph Watson.........................................15.00 Joe Phares........................................... 1.00 Aunt Ada Corkern..................................... 5.00 Mrs. Adrine Jenkins.................................. 2.00 J. B. Burkhalter.....................................50.00 Johnny Williams..................................... 15.90 J. B. Burkhalter....................................10.00 Johnny Williams......................................14.00 Leonard Corkern...................................... 5.00 Gordon Smith.........................................10.00 J. O., Karl, & Mrs. Bickham..........................25.00 Welch Motor Co.......................................25.00 DONATIONS ON CHURCH BUILDING LOVE OFFERING - THANKSGIVING BEGINNERS: Teacher - Mrs. Iris Burkhalter and Pupils...............................3.00 YOUNGER PRIMARIES: Teacher - Mrs. R. S. Jenkins and Pupils................................ 2.40 OLDER PRIMARIES: Teacher - Mrs. George Frickie......................................... 11.50 Johnny Walker......................................................... 1.95 Shirley Walters........................................................ 1.32 Bernice Ballard....................................................... .03 Ophelia Adams.......................................................... .05 Jimmy Don Walters....................................................... .20 JUNIOR GIRLS: Teacher - Mrs.Maude Bickham....................................1.31 Jerry Welch.................................................. .40 Ester Lou Jordan............................................... .10 Nellie Glynn Fisher............................................ .40 Claudine Emfinger.............................................. .25 Frances Fisher................................................. .15 Betty Walters.................................................. .10 Billie Sue Foy................................................. .35 Elsie Mae Stokes............................................... .10 Lorraine Jenkins............................................... .05 Ruth Davis..................................................... .10 JUNIOR BOYS: Teacher - Mr. Attley Walters............................... 10.00 Fred Hoggatt............................................... 5.00 Oscar Adams................................................ .51 Billy Smothers............................................. .05 Max Oliver Brumfield....................................... .05 Byron Dunn Wales........................................... .06 Kenneth Creel.............................................. .11 Clifton Wales.............................................. .06 INTERMEDIATE GIRLS: Teacher - Mrs. O. J. Walker............................ 27.10 Helen Creel............................................ .50 Crevia Adams........................................... 1.33 Jessie Rae Dykes....................................... 1.20 Helen Booty............................................ .86 Dorothy Welch.......................................... 1.50 Merle Hoggatt........................................... 5.36 Louisa Lee Welch....................................... 1.00 Nell Frickie............................................... 1.20 Evelyn Polk............................................... 1.15 Ludell Jones............................................... .30 Bettie Sue Fisher........................................ .66 Nedra Jordan............................................ .25 Billie Jean Watson...................................... .05 Saralyn Jenkins........................................... .05 Lorraine Emfinger......................................... .25 Helen Creel................................................. 2.50 INTERMEDIATE BOYS: Teacher - Mr. John Welch...................................... 5.75 Roland Summerall.......................................... .25 Gerald Welch................................................. .30 Billy Creel...................................................... .28 Doyle Smothers.............................................. .05 Joe Floyd Sylvest............................................ .20 Sammy Sylvest................................................ .40 Vick Stringfield............................................ 3.00 Ralph Walters................................................. .11 Pete Frickie................................................... 2.45 Jimmy Corkern................................................... .60 Freddie Joe Seal............................................ .15 Charlie Creel.................................................. .25 Earl Corkern.................................................. .70 Delma McAllister................................................ 3.00 Jewel Walters.................................................. .60 Charlie Creel....................................................2.50 YOUNG PEOPLE: Teacher - Mrs. Gordon Smith....................................10.00 Carey Phares....................................................20.00 Lawrence Sylvest................................................10.50 Ralph Watson ....................................................1.50 Dolan Walters ...................................................5.00 Charles Creel....................................................1.00 Opha Adams ......................................................3.00 Elois Corkern .................................................. 2.00 Billy Sylvest .................................................. 1.35 Mildred Davis .....................................................25 Stanley Givens ................................................. .25 J. M. Davis .....................................................1.00 Evelyn Fisher ..................................................11.00 YOUNG WOMEN Teacher - Mrs. J. D. McAllister................................. 2.00 Mrs. James M. Daniel...............................................25 Mrs. Joe Phares..................................................5.00 Mrs. Donald Walters..............................................5.00 Mrs. Max O. Brumfield...........................................10.00 Mrs. Chess Bankston.............................................10.00 Mrs. D. C. Fisher.............................................. 5.00 YOUNG MEN: Teacher - Gordon Smith..........................................15.00 Bill Spencer....................................................15.00 Joe Phares.......................................................5.00 Max O. Brumfield................................................20.00 J. M. Daniel....................................................10.00 Osburn Corkern..................................................33.00 Chess Bankston..................................................10.00 ADULT LADIES: Teacher - Mrs. Edna Sylvest......................................1.00 Mrs. Veda Creel..................................................4.75 Mrs. Luther Smith................................................1.00 Mrs. A. .........................................................9.50 Mrs. Ada Corkern.................................................5.00 Mrs. Jenkins.....................................................1.00 Mrs. Ruby Welch..................................................4.00 Mrs. Floyd Fisher................................................5.00 Mrs. George Lambert..............................................3.00 Mrs. T. E. Phares................................................5.00 Mrs. Caroah Walters.............................................10.75 Mrs. Mamie Stringfield........................................ .75 Mrs. Sadie s....................................................10.00 Mrs. E. W.Pigott.............................................. 2.00 Mrs. Clara Adams............................................... 4.25 Mrs. Bessie Creel.............................................. .50 Mrs. Ruby White................................................. .10 Miss Lillie Myles............................................... 1.25 Mrs. Emma Dell Hoggatt.......................................... 4.00 Mrs. Exie Givens.................................................1.00 ADULT MEN: Teacher - Clarence Corkern......................................40.00 A. H. .........Walters..........................................20.00 C. L. Creel.................................................... .50 W. A. Fricke....................................................20.00 G. M. Fricke.....................................................5.00 J. F. Walters.................................................. 10.00 A. D. Fisher...................................................10.00 J. M. Booty....................................................151.00 J. B. Burkhalter................................................30.00 J. L. Smith.....................................................50.00 T. C. Sylvest...................................................25.00 H.C. & Eula Creel...............................................15.00 Luther Smith................................................... 1.00 Denman Stringfield & Family.....................................10.00 Leonard Corkern..................................................5.00 George Lambert...................................................2.00 DONATIONS By Service MEN on Church Building Lawrence Sylvest................................................$376.00 Joe Phares...................................................... 79.00 Osborn Corkern....................................................40.00 John H. Williams.................................................130.00 Bert Brumfield....................................................18.75 Mccauley Welch................................................... 10.00 Ray Frickie...................................................... 30.00 W. F. Frickie.....................................................25.00 Dudley Frickie....................................................10.00 Henry & Loma Frickie..............................................20.00 By Adult MEN and WOMEN of the Church Andrew Fricke....................................................100.00 J. L. Smith......................................................100.00 Clarence Corkern.................................................140.00 A. D. Fisher.....................................................100.00 A. W. Foy........................................................100.00 Mrs. Ada Corkern.................................................120.00 J. O. Bickham....................................................135.00 Buster Burkhalter.................................................99.50 Mrs. Andrew Fricke, Sr............................................50.00 Chris Sylvest.................................................... 40.00 Leonard Corkern....................................................5.00 Miss Lillie Myles..................................................5.00 Mrs. Tom Adams.....................................................1.00 Gordon Smith.....................................................100.00 J. B. Burkhalter..................................................80.00 Clifton Wales.....................................................50.00 O. J. Walker......................................................50.00 Mrs. Walter Givens and Stanley....................................35.00 ?? Creel..........................................................20.00 Arlie Creel.......................................................10.00 Luther Smith......................................................10.00 Early Ballard.....................................................20.00 For Hauling Materials J. M. Daniels - Two trips to Bogalusa....................................................10.00 Work dragging logs with tractor......................... 15.00 Max Brumfield -................................................20.00 Hauling Logs...................................................20.00 Lawrence Sylvest - Hauling logs................................................. 5.00 Hall Smith - Hauling logs...................................................35.00 Don Walters - Trip to Bogalusa................................................... 5.00 Andrew Frickie - Work with Tractor...................................................20.00 J. M. Daniels - Work with tractor................................................. 8.00 DONATIONS OF TREES GIVEN FOR LUMBER Mrs. Chris Sylvest..........................................1665 ft. Mr. Otha Jones..............................................1800 ft. Mr. Gordon Smith............................................2300 ft. Mr. L. L. Bankston gave 2 cypress logs for casing lumber....1100 ft. Mr. Andrew Frickie gave 500 ft. of finish lumber for casing. APPRECIATION We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the membership of Bethel Baptist Church for their cooperation and effort in the building of the new church, and also for those who labored so faithfully in the construction of the building and to those who made it possible by their financial aid. We feel sure that each individual will be inspired to do greater things for the Master and His Kingdom's cause. We like to think with the Apostle Paul -- Philipians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Our prayer is that the membership of Bethel Baptist Church will ever strive in peace and unity, of one mind and accord for the advancement of the cause of Christ Jesus. Sincerely Your Pastor, J. D. McAllister We wish to express our appreciation to those who helped so faithfully in compiling the data and records of this book. Although some of these records may be incorrect, we feel sure they did their best to give them as correct as possible according to the information received. Those helping the Pastor in compiling this record are: Mr. Carey Phares Miss Helen Booty Miss Nell Frickie By Pastor J. D. McAllister OVERLOOKED In the record and data in regards to Carey Phares, he was faithful in his labor and liberal with his finance in the construction of the building. He was one of the group of Service Men who advocated a new building.