Franklinton First Baptist Church, Washington Parish, LA
Submitted by Bonnie M. Dier, Prepared by Sandy Corkern,June, 2001




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HISTORY OF FRANKLINTON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

By Daunton Gibbs

1976-1977



CONTENTS

1. DEDICATION

2. INTRODUCTION

3. HISTORY OF FRANKLINTON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

4. BIBLIOGRAPHY


DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this project to my wife, Verna Gibbs, for her
patience, and to all the membership of this church, deceased and living,
who have served our God through this church for so many years.

Daunton Gibbs


INTRODUCTION

Except for two people, Mrs. Zuma Magee and Mr. Delos R. Johnson, Sr., we
would have very little information on the early history of the First
Baptist Church of Franklinton.
On a Sunday afternoon, Mrs. Zuma Magee went upstairs in her father's home
to get some records that she needed. She happened to see her father's copy
of "The History of the Mississippi Baptist Association, 1806-1906", written
by T. C. Schillings, and decided to take it with her. Her father, John A.
Fendlason (1856-1925) was by then deceased. His son, J. Esco Fendlason, was
living in the home.
On Monday morning at about 5 o'clock, the house caught fire and burned to
the ground. This was less than 24 hours after Mrs. Magee took the book and
records from the home. Mr. and Mrs. Fendlason were at work in the dairy
barn when they first say the fire. Practically everything was destroyed.
Mr. John A. Fendlason served as Clerk of the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church for
many years. His copy of the "History of the Mississippi Baptist
Association", which Mrs. Magee saved from the fire, is one of the very few
copies known to be in the Franklinton area. It was this copy of the history
which the late Rev. John Henry Smith used in his research during the
1930's.
Mr. Delos R. Johnson, Sr., was a member of an old and prominent Washington
Parish family. Very likely this accounts for his knowledge and interest
concerning the old Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church. In 1911 he was a young
Franklinton Attorney. On October the 21st of that year, because of his
interest, he rented a horse and buggy and drove seven miles east of
Franklinton in order to obtain a first hand description of the original
building from Mr. Nick McCain, who was then 92 years old. This is the only
known description of the original church.
The Washington Parish Baptist Association met at Bethel Baptist Church in
1912. Rev. C. T. Corkern was Moderator of the Association. The Association
met on the last day at the site of Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church to
celebrate the Centennial of the Church. Rev. Leon W. Sloan, Pastor of the
Franklinton Baptist Church, invited the congregation and all others to
attend the celebration.
Very likely there were many people at the site that day who knew a great
deal about the history of Half-Moon Baptist Church. However, that knowledge
- if recorded - has never been found.
I would like to thank Mrs. Vicki Knight for undertaking the task of typing
this work. It required a great amount of patience and many hours of her
time. Again - thanks - Mrs. Vicki.



HISTORY OF FRANKLINTON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

By Daunton Gibbs, 1976-1977

We the membership of this church along with the membership of other Baptist
churches in this community do have a wonderful heritage. Since this is the
Bi-centennial year it is an appropriate time for us to reflect on this very
interesting history because there is a direct relationship between the
founding of this great nation and the beginning of the Baptist Denomination
in Louisiana.
Conditions brought about by the American Revolution caused our ancestors to
migrate from what was then Georgia and the Carolinas into the Mississippi
Territory east of Natchez and later into what is now Washington Parish.
Our ancestors were a rugged group of frontiersmen. By the time of the
Revolution in many cases they were several generations old in this country,
mostly of Scotch-Irish and English ancestry. In the beginning many of them
were Loyalists, usually referred to as Tories. However, England made some
serious mistakes I trying to put down the Revolution in Georgia and the
Carolinas, and by the end of the Revolution, most of our ancestors were on
the side of the Revolution.
The overall plan of England was to land large expeditionary forces at
different points along the Atlantic seaboard, thereby cutting up and
separating the 13 colonies. Down in Georgia and the Carolinas, not wishing
to get into the dirty fighting to which the Frontiersmen were accustomed
to, they hired thousands of foreign troops, mostly German, called Hessians.
This was an insult to our ancestors. Worse still, when these Hessian troops
came upon a frontier settlement, they did not differentiate between
Loyalists or Revolutionaries. In order to supplement their rations, they
took or attempted to take whatever they wanted. You can imagine what
happened - in the end, though, the settler, outnumbered, had to flee to the
wilderness. When he returned, his supplies were gone and his buildings
burned, but the Continental Army had a new recruit.
Many historians now agree that the Revolution was actually won in the
South. England won most of the battles but the cost of winning those
battles in manpower and supplies was so great, they were forced to
withdraw.
As a result of the Revolution which had lasted off and on for seven years,
our ancestors were destitute and ready to move. After the Revolution,
Georgia became the State of Georgia and lay claim to all the territory west
of them to the Mississippi River. Our ancestors began moving into that
territory east of Natchez thinking they were in Georgia. However, upon
arriving in the territory, they found that because of treaty conflicts, the
Spanish were yet in control of all that territory east of the river from
the 31st to the 32nd parallel. They supervised a government which was
carried on by a group of English speaking people with an Atlantic Coast
background who were usually referred to as the permanent settlers. They
were a more cultured people and became ver apprehensive when they saw all
the rugged frontiersmen from Georgia and the Carolinas pouring into that
section. Friction between the two groups immediately broke out.
The Spanish government recognized only the Roman Catholic religion and
permitted no Protestant assemblies. Among the Georgia-Carolina people were
Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian preachers who were frontiersmen through
the week and Preachers on the Sabbath. Many of them had little or no
education, while others had a surprising amount, as will be seen later.
They were determined to preach regardless of the danger. The Spanish paid
not too much attention at first, but when the preachers began converting
some of the permanent settlers, they moved in, first with threats, and then
an all out effort to capture these preachers. The Spanish had declared that
any of the preachers caught would be carried as slaves to the silver mines
in Mexico. Ambushes were set up and raids were made in an effort to stamp
out the preaching. The preachers were forced to flee out into the
wilderness where they were cared for by the settlers.
A movement then was undertaken by a lady named Aunt Chloe Holt to equip and
outfit an expedition to carry the preachers through the wilderness back to
the Carolinas for safety. The expedition was successful. Among the
preachers were two Baptists, Rev. Richard Curtiss, and Rev. John Jones.
In the middle of the night and without notice on March 30, 1798, the
Spanish loaded their belongings on flat boats and shoved off from Natchez,
floating down to Baton Rouge. They left one Lieutenant in Natchez to look
after their business. The territory was then taken over by the United
States.
The Preachers immediately returned to the Mississippi Territory and before
the end of 1798 organized Salem Baptist Church which was located 18 miles
northeast of Natchez. This was the first Baptist Church organized in
Mississippi and it was organized by Rev. Richard Curtiss.
The first known settlers came into Washington Parish in early 1799. Most of
them came from Mississippi and settled on Spanish land grants known as
Spanish Headrights which they obtained from the Spanish. These land grants
were usually 640 acres per head of family plus a small allotment per child
and per slave. They were bought on easy terms at the rate of $2.00 per acre
and were located on the creeks and on both sides of the rivers. Almost all
of these settlers were Protestant. This was known to the Spanish. However,
this was a desperate as well as doomed effort on the part of the Spanish to
erect a barrier or cushion area between them and the United States. Since
these settlers were settling in Spanish Territory (West Florida) as Spanish
citizens, the ban of Protestant assembly was to prevail and did prevail
until the "Rebellion of West Florida" in 1810, in which the settlers were
successful in taking over West Florida.
About Christmas of 1799, the same year they came into what is today
Washington Parish, almost all of the settlers were burned out in what
appears to be a series of almost simultaneous raids staged by the Choctaw
Indians. Due to the wilderness nature of the country and the time of the
year, the settlers were forced to get out immediately.
The year of 1806 was a very significant year. Five Baptist Churches in
Southwest Mississippi had been organized, and in that year the Mississippi
Baptist Association was organized under the leadership of Rev. Ezra
Courtney. This was also about the time when the first settlers began
returning to our section. In addition to them, many others came directly
from Georgia and the Carolinas by obtaining permits to cross the Creek
Indian Territory. Others came from Tennessee and Kentucky.
As said before, the Spanish were overthrown in 1810. After a few weeks
under the Republic of West Florida this area became a part of the Territory
of Orleans under the United States. It would be reasonable to speculate
that church activity began at the Half-Moon Bluff site very shortly after
the Spanish were overthrown. The congregation had two messengers at the
Mississippi Baptist Association October 1811, asking that someone be sent
to Half-Moon Bluff on the Bogue Chitto River to constitute the church. The
two messengers representing the congregation were Joseph Erwin, on whose
land the church was located, and Joseph Lewis. It seems that Joseph Lewis
at the time was from just east of Tylertown in the New Zion Community.
Sometime between the meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Association in
October 1811 and the meeting in October 1812, two preachers, Rev. Thomas
Mercer, and Rev. Dr. David Cooper, were sent to constitute Half-Moon Bluff
Baptist Church. On October 12, 1812, Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church was
admitted to the Mississippi Baptist Association. Joseph Erwin and Joseph
Lewis again represented the congregation as messengers in 1812.
The two preachers sent to constitute Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church well
exemplified the Great Commission of the Baptist Denomination even during
those early days; that is - preaching, teaching, and healing. Rev. Thomas
Mercer, along with Rev. Benjamin Davis, set out to carry the Gospel to the
vicious Creek Indians in 1817 and were never heard of again. He came to
Mississippi from Georgia. To facilitate the cultivation of song service, he
composed a collection of excellent hymns. Rev. Dr. David Cooper came to
Mississippi in 1802. He was described as a man of learning, vigorous
advocate of Ministerial education, active promoter of missions, and
combined this with his profession as a physician in the promotion of the
Gospel. He died in 1830.
We have only one first-hand description of the original and only building
at the Half-Moon Bluff site, and this comes to us through interest, concern
and presence of mind of the late Senator Delos R. Johnson, Sr. He had his
uncle, the late Mr. N. S. (Nick) McCain describe the building as best he
could. This was in 1911 and Mr. McCain was 92 years old. The description
was signed by Mr. McCain and preserved in the files of Mr. Johnson.
N. S. McCain letter --- Quote "My residence, Oct. 21, 1911"
"I am now in my 92nd year, and I well remember the old Half-Moon Bluff
Baptist Church which was located at Half-Moon Bluff on Bogue Chitto River
about 6 1/2 miles north of Franklinton. When I was a boy about 10 yrs. old,
I went to this place with Bill Simmons, father of the late R. L. Simmons.
An old man by the name of Gibbens was occupying and using this old church
building for a saddlery. I think Mr. Simmons went there to have his saddle
repaired. The bldg. at that time was old in appearance. It was made of hewn
logs. It was probably 18 ft. by 20 ft. and I think it had a window in the
rear. It had one door in the front and I think a fire place.
The next time I remember being at this place was in 1861. I was a member of
Hardy Richardson's Company organized for Confederate service and we camped
at Half-Moon Bluff for about 2 weeks and were drilled for Army service. At
that time the house was destroyed, but the house site was plainly to be
seen. The house site was very near the bluff of the river and close to the
road." N. S. McCain
According to the appearance of the clay floor of the building, Mr. McCain
was very near correct in the size. The building faced South and was about
100 ft. east of the bluff. A rather long cut in the steep bluff led down to
water's edge for water and baptism.
Families living within 4 miles of the church during the period from 1811
through the early 1820's were as follows: James Gwin, John Magee, Joseph
Erwin, William Magee, Benj. Magee, Zadok Barrow, Richard Albritton, Gideon
Yarborough, James Hays, William Hays, and Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr. Most of
these families are known to have been active in the church. John Magee and
Benjamin Magee were sons of William Magee who lived at Hays Creek.
Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church was located on the headright of Joseph
Erwin. James Gwin settled the headright just north of Joseph Erwin which is
the present site of Clifton. In the early 1820's, John Magee bought the
James Gwin headright and moved there.
A number of families living on the west side of Bogue Chitto River were
active in the church. Among these were Jacob Bankston, Loftin Fairchild,
and Johannon Ricks. All of these families lived a considerable distance
from the church. Loftin Fairchild lived just north of the state line.
Mt. Nebo Baptist Church was constituted Jan. 31, 1813. It was located on
the east fork of Big Creek in what is now Tangipahoa Parish. It was about
13 miles s.w. of Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church. By 1814, most of the
families living on the west side of Bogue Chitto River began affiliating
with that church.
Some of the ministers who preached at Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church
through the 1820's were as follows: Nathan Morris, Davis Collins, Charles
Felder, Willie Magee, Jesse Crawford, and Joseph Lewis, Sr.
It is interesting to note that all of these ministers were from
Mississippi. All of them had only such education as their communities could
offer, plus what they were able to acquire themselves, which was
considerable. Records of the Mississippi Baptist Association show that they
were for from illiterate. Their pay from the churches was small. In order
for them to provide a living for their large families, it was necessary for
them to farm through the week. To serve their churches they made the long
trips by horseback in all kinds of weather, over such trails and dirt roads
as there were in those early days. All streams had to be forded since there
were no bridges. There were cable ferries across Bogue Chitto River in
Washington Parish at a number of locations. A ferry was located at the
Capt. Abner Bickham place north of Franklinton. Another one was just south
of Franklinton. One was at Enon, and one at Strawberry Bluff, which is the
present-day site of Isabel. There were a few places where the river could
be forded during dry seasons.
In addition to church days, it was necessary for the Pastors to make trips
back to the churches for the many funerals. Despite the many hardships,
they did not complain, except sometimes to state that their families were
sometimes neglected.
There were always internal problems in the church to be solved. Chief among
these was the problem of strong drink and dancing at the frolics in the
community. Male members were required to be in their seats on Conference
Day unless they had a good excuse. It was against the church rules for a
member to allow any preacher not in fellowship with the Church to stop at
his home and preach. Members were tried and excluded from the fellowship of
the church for any of the above reasons. They almost always came back to
the church and asked for forgiveness. They were usually restored to
fellowship. For more serious crimes such as adultery, theft, violence,
etc., they were not restored to fellowship.
Sometimes disputes arose between members of the church. In such cases, a
committee was appointed to consult with each party and work out a solution.
There were exclusions in connection with some of these disputes.
While Half-Moon Bluff Church was a member of the Mississippi Baptist
Association, the Association appointed a committee to select 6 days a year
to be set aside for fasting and prayer. The committee set aside the 4th of
July and Christmas Day. They allowed the churches to select the other 4
days.
During 1820 Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church was one of 14 church that
withdrew from the Mississippi Baptist Association to organize the Pearl
River Baptist Association. Messengers from Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church
to the Mississippi Baptist Association during the years that it was a
member of the Mississippi Baptist Association were as follows:
1812 - Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr., Joseph Erwin
1813 - Rev. Nathan Morris
1814 - Rev. Nathan Morris, Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr.
1815 - Rev. Nathan Morris, Wm. Magee
1816 - Rev. Nathan Morris, Joseph Erwin
1817 - Rev. Nathan Morris, Zadock Barrow
1818 - Rev. Nathan Morris, Johannon Ricks
1819 - Rev. Nathan Morris, Joseph Erwin
No records have been found relating to the activities of the church during
the 1820's. Among those who served as messengers to the Pearl River Baptist
Association were: Rev. Davis Collins, Shadrack Coker, and Rev. Jesse
Crawford.
It was during this period that Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church appears to
have gone into a state of decline. The chief reason seems to have been that
many of the original members had passed on, and others had moved away. The
1830 Census of Washington Parish shows only about 12 known male heads of
families living within 4 miles of the church on the east side of the Bogue
Chitto River. Not all of these 12 families were Baptist.
In 1830 the church was dissolved and Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr., who was by
then at New Zion Baptist Church just north of the state line in present
Walthall County, took the records to that church. The fate of the records
is unknown.
Baptist activity in the community then shifted to the west side of the
river. The reason for this was that the Holmesville Road ran along the west
side of the river. It was the most important and by far the best maintained
road in this area. It was, however, a dirt road. The road ran from
Covington to Holmesville, Mississippi. Holmesville was located on the west
bank of the Bogue Chitto River about 15 miles north of the state line. It
was the first county seat of Pike County, and its greatest period of
prosperity was between 1830 and the Civil War. The construction of the New
Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad brought about the decline of
Holmesville. The county seat was moved to Magnolia on the railroad in 1875.

Many families settled on or near the Holmesville Road in Washington Parish
during this period. Traffic was heavy on the road. Many interesting as well
as violent incidents occurred along the road. There were close association
between the families in Washington Parish and those in the Holmesville
area. Families frequently moved back and forth between the two communities.

Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church takes its date of organization as 1841. This
however, is the date when it was admitted to the Mississippi Baptist
Association. The date when it began to function as a congregation and the
date when it was constituted is not known. The original location of the
church was about a mile north of its present location. That location was on
the north side of Silver Creek about two miles almost due west of Half-Moon
Bluff. There is good reason to believe that Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church began
functioning as a congregation very shortly after Half-Moon Bluff Baptist
Church was dissolved in 1830. Obits show that members of families
living on the east side of the river affiliated with Mt. Pisgah Baptist
Church after Half-Moon Baptist Church dissolved.
A community sprang up around the church, composed of a store, post office,
and a number of homes. A water mill was located on Silver Creek about a
half mile west of the church.
Beginning about 1840, new homes began to be established on the east side of
the river. Among the first of these were members of the 3rd generation of
the Magee family. New Baptist families included the Foils, Stringfields,
Brumfields, Richardsons, Warrens, Graves, Burkhalters, Ards, and Batemans.
Some came after the War.
About the same time, Rev. Stephen Ellis located at Franklinton. His wife
was a daughter of John Magee who lived on the present Clifton site. Rev.
Ellis was a Methodist minister and educator. He was largely responsible for
the organization of 4 Methodist churches in Washington Parish. Among these
4 Methodist churches was the Magee Methodist, which was located on the
present site of the Clifton Baptist Church.

Obituary of Sarah Magee, wife of John Magee

She was the mother of the wife of Rev. Stephen Ellis, who organized the
Magee Methodist Church at Clifton.
"Died at her residence in Washington Parish, LA on Friday Jan. 26, 1889.
Sister Sarah Magee, wife of the late John Magee, aged 89 yrs., 1 month and
13 days. Sister Magee was born in South Carolina Nov. 14, 1800. While in
her youth moved with her parents to Washington Parish, LA where they
remained but a short time, removing to Marion County, Mississippi where she
remained until her marriage to John Magee. She was formerly a Miss Magee
but of no relation to her husband whose ancestors immigrated from Georgia
about the same period. After marriage Mr. Magee secured a place now owned
by Bro. M. J. Pitman and lived there for several years afterwards, moving
to each one's last residence more than 60 years ago. Her remains were
buried beside her husband in the family grave yard. The service was
conducted by Eld. W. J. Fortenberry. She joined the Mt. Pisgah Baptist
Church in 1854; afterwards moved her membership to Hays Creek, where she
remained a consistent member until her death."
Respectfully submitted,
C. D. Lewis, Chairman
Magee's Creek Baptist Association 1889

Obituary of Lozany Magee:
Lived about 1 mile east of Clifton. She was a sister of John R. Wood. Her
husband, Fleet, was a son of John and Sarah Magee.
"Lozany Magee, born in Washington Parish 12-15-1836. Died 9-14-1887. She
leaves 6 children. Baptized into the fellowship of Mt. Pisgah in 1865 where
she remained until she drew her letter and was one of 6 members from the
above church that was in the constitution of the old Half-Moon Baptist
Church and remained there until Mar 23, 1874 when said church moved to its
present locality and assumed the name of Hays Creek Baptist Church."

Obituary of Arcada Graves:
She was the wife of Nathaniel Graves - daughter of Benjamin Magee -
granddaughter of William Magee who settled at Hays Creek and served as
messenger from the original Half-Moon Baptist Church to the Mississippi
Baptist Association.
"She was one of our oldest and most devoted members. She was born 7-25-1820
- died 3-19-1891. She joined the Baptist Church at Mt. Pisgah in 1854;
afterwards moved her membership to Hays Creek where she remained a
consistent member until death. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C.
T. Corkern and Rev. W. J. Fortenberry. Buried at Hays Creek."
She was raised at Cumnock, 2 miles north of Clifton on the east side of the
Bogue Chitto River.

Obituary of Nathaniel Graves:
Nathaniel Graves and his wife, Arcada, lived on the Benjamin Magee place,
about 1 mile north of the Benjamin Magee home. This is about 3 miles north
of Clifton.
Quote - one whole page - "Treasurer of Magee's Creek Baptist Association
since it organized in 1880. Born 3-31-1824. Died 5-4-1893. He united with
the New Zion Baptist Church Aug. 1864; afterwards drew his letter and was
one of 6 members who constituted (actually reconstituted) old Half-Moon
Baptist Church in July 1866. He was ordained a Deacon 10-31-1880. The
Church moved its location and changed its name to Hays Creek. Funeral
services were conducted by Rev. C. T. Corkern and Rev. W. J. Fortenberry.
Masonic Rites were conducted by Rev. T. E. Bennett. He was buried at Hays
Creek." The cemetery was then called the family cemetery.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Some of the Magee family, which up until then had been Baptist, united with
the Magee Methodist Church. This largely accounts for the fact that today
part of the family is Baptist and part of it is Methodist.
An interesting story centers around the Magee Methodist Church site. The
Clifton
Baptist Church was organized in 1910 and acquired the property by gift from
Jacob Magee. The N.O.G.N. railroad passed along the east side of the
church. Sparks from a passing train set the woods on fire and destroyed the
building. The N.O.G.N. Railroad was part of the Great Southern Lumber
Company empire. A compromise was worked out whereby the G.S.L. Company gave
the church a car load of lumber and the men of the church erected a new
building. This building was torn down in 1966 to make way for the present
(1977) building. Among those members who worked on the building were O. W.
(Bill) Sylvest, W. M. Bateman, Jacob Foil, W. O. Haley, and W. E. Magee.
During July of 1866, a group of people living on the east side of Bogue
Chitto River assembled at Half-Moon Bluff and reconstituted the church. Six
of the group were members of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Nathaniel Graves,
another member of the group, held membership in the New Zion Baptist
Church, located just north of the state line in Walthall County. Nathaniel
Graves lived just north of Cumnock, which was about 4 miles north of
Half-Moon Bluff. His wife was Arcada Magee, oldest daughter of Benjamin
Magee. She was a granddaughter of William Magee, who settled at Hays Creek,
and was on eof the early messengers from Half-Moon Bluff to the Mississippi
Baptist Association.
After the death of Benjamin Magee in 1847, his widow married Rev. Jesse
Crawford (1795-1869). Rev. Jesse Crawford lived at Silver Creek, Miss. He
was one of the pastors of the original Half-Moon Bluff.
The original Half-Moon Bluff building had been gone from the site more than
30 years when the church was reconstituted in 1866. The church decided to
erect the new building about a mile east of the bluff, just a few feet N.W.
of the home of a Mr. Brumfield (must have been B. W. Brumfield). The
Brumfield home was acquired by Mr. Jacob Foil who enlarged it into its
approximate present size. It is now the home of his daughter and her
husband, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Butler.
A description of the building is provided to us by the late W. N. Graves
(1858-1951). He was a son of Nathaniel Graves. He said that the church was
a log building about 18' x 25' with a hard packed clay floor and a low
ceiling. It had 3 doors. One door was on the south side, one on the east
side, and one on the west side of the building. A clay chimney was on the
north side of the building. The space between the logs on the inside of the
building was covered with boards.
The church was equipped with what was called "pencheon" benches. These were
hand made benches made from split logs. The flat side was used to sit on,
and the round half was underneath. The legs were crude hand-made sticks
stuck into holes drilled into the underside of the bench. There were no
backs to the benches.
Half-Moon Bluff Baptist (H.M.B.) Church, like most other Baptist churches
in the area before the Civil War, accepted colored people into the
membership of the church. After the church reconstituted in 1866, the
leaders told the colored people that since they were now free, it was time
for them to pull out and organize their own church. Out of this came the
organization of the Jerusalem Baptist church located on the south side of
La. Highway #38 between Clifton and Hays Creek. Every colored person
withdrew their membership except one woman. She said that she always had
been with the white folks and wanted to remain with them. She was a member
of Hays Creek Baptist Church when she died many years afterward.

State of Louisiana, Parish Of Washington

July 7th A.D. 1866

We the following named Brothern and Sisters, having been Baptised on a
profession of our faith and having given ourselves to the Lord and to one
another Brotherly covenant and being desirous to keep up a Godly discipline
and being anxious to be constituted into a Church State, We therefore have
agreed to invite the following named Brothern as a presbatry to Constitute
us into a Church State to wit; Eld. W. J. Fortenbery and J. E. Pounds. We
the above named presbatrey haveing met according to request and organised
by appointing J. E. Pounds and N. Graves, Clerk; first - prseeded to
appoint a committee of arrangements when C. K. Fortenberry, William Louis,
Elbert Haley, Calvin Smith and T. Pitman was appointed committee who
reports as follows Eld. W. J. Fortenberry to preach the Constitutional
sermond. J. E. Pounds to read the letters of the following named Brothern
and Sisters and find them orthodox. We therefore proceed to constitute them
in a Church State upon the following Articles of faith, Gospel order and
rules of Decorum; first - Elder W. J. Fortenberry preached the
constitutional sermond from John the 18 Chapter first clause and 36 verse.
Jesus answered my kingdom is not of the world. Second read the articles of
faith. The rules of Decorum in Gospel order the following named Brothren
and Sisters subscriber to wit: N. Graves, Wiley Strahan, T. Pitman,
Civillia Pitman, Arcada Graves, Lozany Magee.
Resolved that this Church shall be known by the name of Half Moon Bloof
Church, constituted with the above named six members upon the following
Articles of Faith.

Articles of Faith

1st We believe in one triune God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost,
the same in essence equal in power and glory.
2nd We believe the Scriptures of the old and new testament was given by the
inspiration of God and are the only rules of Faith and practice.
3rd We believe in the fall of Adam from his orriginal rectitude in the
imputation of his sin to all his posterity, in the total deprivity of human
nature and in mans inability to restore himself to the favor of God.
4th We beleave that God had loved His people with an everlasting love that
he chose in Christ before the formation of the world, that he calleth them
with a holy and effeual calling and being Justified alone through the
rightousness of Christ - imputed to therin they are kept by the power of
God unto salvation.
5th We beleave that there is one mediator between God and man than man
Christ Jesus who by the satisfaction he made to law and Justice in Becoming
an offering for sin hath by his most precious blood redeemed the elect from
under the curse of the law that they might be hold and without blame before
him in love.
6th We beleave that good works are the fruits of faith and follow after
justification and are evidence of a gracious state and that all beleavers
are Bound to obey every command of God from a principal of Love.
7th We beleave in the resirection of the Dead, a general Judgment, That the
hapiness of the rightous and the punishment of wicked will be everlasting.

Gospel Order

1st We beleave that the visible church of Christ is a congregation of
faithful persons who have given themselves to the Lord and to one another
and have covenented to keep up a godly discipline agreeable to the rules of
the Gospel.
2nd We beleave that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, only lawgiver -
that the government is with the Body of the Church and is equaly the right
and privilege of each member thereof.
3rd We beleave that Baptism and the Lords supper are gospel ordinances
appointed by Jesus Christ and are to be continued in the church untill his
secon comeing.
4th We beleave that Baptism by immertion is the only scriptural mode and
beleavers are the only proper subjects.
5th We beleave that none but regular Baptised church members have the right
to partake of the Lords supper.
6th We beleave it to be the duty and privilige of all believers to make a
publice profession of there faith to submit to Baptism by immersion and to
give themselves members of the visible church.
7th We beleave it to be the duty of every regular organised church to
expell from there communion all disorderly members who are immoral in there
lives or that hold doctrine contrary to the scripture.

Rules of Decorum

1st We the Baptist Church of Jesus Christ haveing been Baptized upon a
profession of our faith and constituted into a church upon the gospel plan
being desirous to support the worship of God and to walk according to the
rules of the gospel we do therefore adopt and agree to conform to the
following rules concern (??).
2nd We promise to fill our seats in the house of God whenever in our power
so to do and not to neglect our conferance meetings.
3rd There shall be a moderator and clerk who shall be chosen by the
sufferage of the church.
4th Our meetings shall open and close by prayer or prase.
5th Every person who may speek in conference shall arise from his seat and
address the moderator and shall not be interupted while speaking unless he
shall depart from the subject properly in debate or cast reflection on a
member of the church.
6th The moderator shall be allowed to speak on all subjects his seat being
previously filled.
7th No person shall speak more than three times on the same subject without
leave of the moderator.
8th No appilation shall be used in conferance except that of a Brother or
Sister.
9th Every motion an second shall be put to a vote except it be withdrawn by
the mover.
10th No member shall be suffered to make remarks on the observation of a
member in time of conferance.
11th All cases shall be decided by a majority except that of receiving
members which shall be unanimous.
12th We individually agree to contribute according to our seveal ability in
supporting the church and worship of God in decency and order.
13th We promise to watch over each other in love reprove and take reprofe
in case of disorder and not suffer sin upon a Brother But in all cases to
use disciplin of the gospel for his good to edification.
14th We agree that we speak one at a time and every person speaking and
departing from the subject shall be called to order by the moderator.
15th The moderator shall rise from his seat to put the question to the
Body.
16th These rules of decorum shall be subject to any alteration or amendment
when ever a majority of the church thinks proper.
(The previous pages concerning the formation of this church were copied in
spelling, punctuation, etc. as nearly like the original as possible.)

The old original site of Half-Moon Bluff continued to be used for baptisms,
picnics, and etc. until the early 1890's. The late W. N. Graves was among
many people baptized there. He was baptized in the late 1860's. Interesting
incidents occurred at the site.
The La. Baptist Association held its annual convention in Baton Rouge
during Nov. of 1962. The Convention decided to hold its afternoon session
on November 15th at the site, in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of
the founding of the church. The site was then on the property of the family
of Mr. Ferd M. Magee (1874-1961). Under the leadership of Dr. T. W. Gayer
(1880-1963) past president of the La. Baptist Convention, and with the
assistance of the Magee family, the site was cleared off. The clay floor of
the building was found to be in excellent condition.
A marker was on the floor. It had been placed there September 7, 1932, by
the Washington Parish Baptist Association in commemoration of the 100th
anniversary of the church. It was dedicated by Rev. John H. Smith, Pastor
of Franklinton Baptist Church, at the annual meeting of the Washington
Parish Baptist Association.
The Men's Brotherhood organization of Shreveport erected a replica of the
building and placed it on exhibit at the State Fair. After the Fair it was
torn down and reassembled on the clay floor at Half-Moon Bluff. The
building is still on the floor in a state of deterioration (1977).
The session was presided over by Luther B. Hall, President of the Louisiana
Baptist Convention. Dr. A. W. Robbins welcomed the Convention visitors. The
session was addressed by Dr. Gayer and by Dr. J. D. Grey, Pastor of the
First Baptist Church of New Orleans. Gale Dunn was Song Leader for the
occasion. About 500 people attended the session. Included were most of the
Louisiana Baptist Convention leaders. Visitors from all over the area were
present for the session.
When Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church was reconstituted during July 1866, it
again became a member of the Pearl River Baptist Association. The West
Pearl River Baptist Association was organized in 1871. Half-Moon Bluff
Baptist Church withdrew from the Pearl River Baptist Association to become
a member of that Association. The writer has not been able to locate any
records showing who the Pastors were during the period of time between 1866
and 1873.
During the early part of 1873, Rev. William G. Stovall came to the
Franklinton community from Ball Town, which was located near Pearl River,
northeast of the present site of Angie. This was the same community from
which the 3 Bateman brothers - Jason, Bryant and Hugh L., had come a few
years earlier.
Rev. Stovall organized a church and school on the north side of Mile Branch
near the present Chester Green home (1977). The church became known as the
Mile Branch Baptist Church. The obituary of John M. Stringfield
(1818-1894), who lived near the site said that he was a charter member of
Mile Branch Baptist Church.
The school organized by Rev. Stovall was the only school in the Franklinton
community at the time. The Franklinton Academy on Spring Street closed at
the beginning of the Civil War and had not reopened except for brief
periods after the War.
On May 23, 1874, that part of Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church that did not
unite with the Mile Branch Church moved to Hays Creek. The name of the
church was changed to Hays Creek Baptist Church. Nathaniel Graves donated a
site for the church and cemetery. It was located just north of where the
family of William Magee had established a cemetery about 1820. The site was
enlarged by donations of land from the children of Nathaniel Graves in
later years. Most were descendants of William Magee.
On Feb. 26, 1876 Alfred Richardson, who owned the land on which Mile Branch
Baptist Church was located, donated the site to the church. He lived west
of the site near the river and near the mouth of Mile Branch.
This partially burned document pertaining to the donation was found by Mrs.
Zuma Magee and the late Mrs. Alma Magee among the records ruined in the
fire that destroyed Court House #2 on March 14, 1897. It reads as follows:
"On Feb. 26, 1876, Alfred Richardson of Washington Parish La. came before
John K. McLain, Recorder and Ex-officio notary public and in presence of
witnesses and did declare and by these present, give, grant, and donated
for the purpose of a school and Baptist Church, unto John Stringfield and
W. G. Stovall, Trustees. Said land located near Mile Branch.
Signed: Alfred Richardson, W. G. Stovall, John Stringfield
Attest: John W. Ard and John C. Foil
Recorder, John K. McLain, Feb 26, 1876."

Rev. William G. Stovall left Mile Branch Baptist Church in 1878 and died on
the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1879. The church seemed to be on a circuit
during the next few years. The school apparently ceased to function since
the Franklinton Academy was reorganized by Professor Moore.
Mile Branch Baptist Church was called by that Name by the local people, but
as far back as 1881, it was recorded in the Association records as the
Franklinton Baptist Church, located one mile north of Franklinton.
By 1887 the church had withdrawn from the West Pearl River Baptist
Association and joined the Magee's Creek Baptist Association. The church
had 50 members in 1887. About half on the churches in the Magee's Creek
Baptist Association were Mississippi churches.
The Franklinton Baptist Church at Mile Branch began a new era in 1894. In
that year Rev. W. Bene joined the faculty of the new Franklinton Central
Institute, which was completed that same year on the present location of
the frame building on the Franklinton Elementary School grounds. The church
became a full time church. It had 58 members.

Obituary - Rev. William Davis Bene
Taken from "Mississippi Baptist Preachers" by Foster

"William Davis Bene, born Okolona, Chickasaw County, Mississippi,
10-20-1855. He attended school in his native town, made a profession of
religion and was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist Church in
Okolona by Rev. W. A. Mason at the age of 15, who introduced him to Capt.
John Powell of Grenada, Mississippi in 1873. He spent 2 years in high
school in Grenada, cared for by friends, as he was poor. He then spent 5
years in Southwestern Baptist University in Jackson, Tennessee. Beginning
in 1880 he taught school at Torrance, then became Pastor at Grayport and
other nearby churches. In 1881 and 1882 he taught school at Cole's Creek in
Calhoun County, where with the aid of Hon. R. N. Provine he built up a good
high school.
In June 1882 he married Lula Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Martin
of Cole's Creek. He was then 26. In 1885 he came to Jefferson, 10 miles
north of Carrolton. He became pastor of Liberty and other churches -
baptized 200 people in 1 year at Liberty and Pisgah Churches. He built up a
good high school at Jefferson.
In 1892 Rev. Bene went to Blue Mountain and taught in the Male Academy. He
was then a widower with several children, his wife having died Sept. 1891.
In Dec. 1892 he married Mrs. Mary Lou Shacklefor. He returned to Jefferson
and took up work at the high school. He also took up Pastorate of
neighboring churches.
He had considerable power in the pulpit, his style being clear and vivid.
His wife was sick at the time of marriage but was not thought to be
serious. She died in about 10 months. He has 7 children - 3 boys and 4
girls. L. R. Bene, died in 1884. His mother still lives with her honored
son.
Rev. Bene, feeling that the hand of Providence was leading him, moved to
Franklinton, La. Aug. 1894. Many friends follow him with interest and good
wishes."

In 1894 under the leadership of Rev. Bene, the Franklinton Baptist Church
joined 6 other La. Baptist Churches in this general area to form the Union
Baptist Association. The Association met at Mt. Hermon on Nov. 16 and 17th.
This Association was to become the present Washington Parish Baptist
Association, which takes its beginning with the Associational meeting.
The purpose of the Association was to promote Baptist schools in Louisiana.
There were 2 Baptist Colleges in Louisiana at that time. They were
Keatachie College and Mt. Lebanon College. The Louisiana Baptist Convention
had been organized in 1848, and the first Baptist State paper, "The Baptist
Chronicle," had been established in 1886. Dr. E. O. Ware became the
publisher of this paper in 1912. He was the father of Franklinton First
Baptist Church Deacon James M. Ware.
The organizing of the Union Baptist Association, which became the
Washington Parish Baptist Association, was the initial step in uniting
Franklinton Baptist with the Statewide Baptist program in Louisiana. The
Association met with the Franklinton Baptist Church in 1895.
Rev. W. D. Bene died in Franklinton on Aug. 10, 1895. He was buried in
Crystal Springs, Miss. Rev. Bene was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Williams, also
a Franklinton Central Institute professor. These 2 men made such an impact
on the Franklinton community. A street was named for each of them when the
streets of north Franklinton were surveyed about 1906.
A close relationship developed between the Franklinton Baptist Church and
the local school system when Rev. Bene came to Franklinton. This close
relationship probably reached its peak in the early 1960's. At that time
approximately one-fourth of the entire church, Sunday School and Training
Union faculty was made up of teachers or former teachers.
The Church moved to its present location in town during 1897. The property
was bought from Babington Bros. A frame building was erected on the corner.
A short time later a frame parsonage was erected just south of the church
where the auditorium now stands.
There are no known membership rolls of the church during the 24 years it
was located on the north side of Mile Branch. Associational minutes show
who some of the leaders were. W. S. Stringfield, Henry S. Burkhalter and D.
A. Self served as church clerk during this period. Sheriff John W. Ard
served as Song Leader during most of this period. Hugh L. Bateman, Jason
Bateman, O. W. Magee, Dupre Bateman, and D. O. Foil were among those who
served as messengers to the Association.
Sheriff John W. Ard left the Parish in 1888. His home was the present
Saddie and Ethel Magee home. Their father, the late Marcus F. Magee, was
struck by lightning at the church, but survived.
The Burkhalter family was the last operators of the ferry at the Capt.
Abner Bickham place. Henry S. Burkhalter was elected Sheriff of Washington
Parish in 1892 and lost his life in the line of duty during 1899. A part of
the house in which he lived before he was elected Sheriff still stands. It
is located just north of the Saddie and Ethel Magee home.
The most disastrous tornado in the history of Washington Parish struck
Franklinton just before noon in April 24, 1908, leaving a path of death and
destruction all the way from Amite to Purvis, Mississippi. Hardly a
building along its wide path through north Franklinton escaped destruction
or serious damage. Metal siding from some of the warehouses along the
railroad was found on the east side of Pearl River.
The church parsonage was completely destroyed and the Church on the north
side was badly damaged. Rev. E. R. Henderson, who was Pastor at the time,
told the writer and Dr. T. W. Gayer that the Parsonage literally exploded.
The late Mr. R. W. (Bob) Knight (1877-1956) was badly injured by the
tornado. His face was scarred for life. Mr. Knight lived in town after he
retired and was active in the church. At the time of the tornado he lived
east of town.
The tornado destroyed the dormitory at the Franklinton Central Institute.
It had opened in 1897, a year after the church moved to town. At the time
of the tornado it was under the supervision of Mrs. J. Vol Brock. Mrs.
Brock was very active in the church. The "Henri Brock" W.M.U. Circle is
named in memory of her.
Mr. and Mrs. Jason E. Bateman lived in the block north of the church. Mr.
Bateman was a son of Hugh L. Bateman. Mrs. Bateman was a Ball from Ball
Town.
The tornado blew the 2nd floor off of the Bateman home. Mr. and Mrs.
Bateman enlarged the 1st floor of their home, and began boarding out of
town teachers. The Franklinton Central Institute was taken over by the
Washington Parish School Board as a result of the storm damage. Mr. J.
Wesley Bateman, a brother of Mr. Jason E. Bateman, became Superintendent of
the Parish School System about this same time. The close association
between the Franklinton Baptist Church and the school system continued as
before.
Mr. Jason E. Bateman was a trustee of the church. He later served two terms
as Sheriff of Washington Parish. Mrs. Bateman was an early member of the
Ladies Aid Society, forerunner of the present (W.M.U.) Women's Missionary
Union.
The "Ladies Aid Society" was organized at the church in 1900. It was the
first such organization in Washington Parish. There were 13 charter members
as follows: Mrs. G. G. Thomas, Mrs. Prentiss B. Carter, Mrs. D. A. Self,
Mrs. Adolph Gayer, Mrs. Richard (Dick) Seal, Mrs. Oscar D. (Kate) Varnado,
Mrs. Elizabeth Varnado, Mrs. D. B. Walker, Mrs. Jas. L. (Norean) Bateman,
Mrs. H. W. Hullinghorst, Mrs. W. M. Bateman, Miss Grace Thomas and Miss
Larcie Simmons. By the end of the year there were 22 members.
The original purpose of the organization was to administer to any and all
objects presented in upbuilding the cause of Christ, and to aid and assist
in all church work. Its purpose also was to obtain any and all spiritual
help possible individually.
On Oct. 17, 1906, the organization changed its name to "Baptist Missionary
Aid Society". By this time there were 4 afternoon meetings per month. Two
of these meetings were set aside for ladies aid work.
During the 4 years prior to 1907 the organization raised $799.88. They
furnished the church with lamps, assisted in building and furnishing the
Parsonage, carpeted and painted the church, remodeled and painted the
seats, and gave the church a 1300 lb. Bell. They also gave the church a new
pulpit set which cost $110.00 and raised $100.00 toward a new pulpit.
During Christmas of 1906 Judge Prentiss B. Carter and Mr. J. Vol Brock,
publishers of the Washington Leader at Franklinton, published a special
Christmas edition. They divided the entire proceeds from this edition
between the Ladies Aid Society and the local Methodist Weslyan Society.
The Baptist Missionary Aid Society enrollment reached 101 by 1907. This was
in addition to several which had moved from town and one deceased member.
They observed quarterly offering days. At Christmas a special offering was
held for the State Missionary and the Missionary to China. At Easter a
special offering was held for the Children's Home which was then in Lake
Charles.
Mrs. L. D. Greenlaw moved to Franklinton about 1907. She was the mother of
the late Mr. Paul E. Greenlaw. Franklinton had the only society in
Washington Parish at the time. Leaders of the Franklinton Society were Mrs.
D. A. Self, Mrs. P. B. Carter, Mrs. A. C. Williams, Mrs. Jason E. Bateman,
Mrs. Frank Brown and Mrs. J. Vol Brock.
The Washington Parish Association met at Franklinton in 1908. The Baptist
Missionary Aid Society held their meeting in connection with the
Association. Although new in town, Mrs. Greenlaw, under the persuasion of
Mrs. E. R. Henderson, wife of the Franklinton Pastor, agreed to accept the
office of President of the Parish organization.
Mrs. Greenlaw immediately set out to organize societies throughout the
parish. It was a long, hard and often times discouraging project. She
traveled by horse and buggy and was always accompanied by a Franklinton
lady. Among the ladies who accompanied Mrs. Greenlaw were Mrs. D. A. Self,
Mrs. P. B. Carter and Miss Mary Johnson. Miss Johnson was a sister of
Senator Delos R. Johnson, Sr.
The chief cause of her discouragement was that most of the rural Pastors
and Deacons, at first, opposed the idea of the organization. One Pastor,
Rev. C. T. (Thomas) Corkern, eight years later while speaking in 1916 to
the Association, publicly apologized to Mrs. Greenlaw for his coolness to
her and the society at first.
The Parish organization had its second meeting in 1909 at Hays Creek along
with the Washington Parish Baptist Association. There was no place at the
church for the ladies to meet. Mrs. W. N. Graves who lived near the church,
offered them the use of her front porch. There were 10 ladies present for
the meeting.
The organization later took its present name, "Woman's Missionary Union"
(W.M.U.).
Ladies who have served as President of the Franklinton W.M.U. are as
follows: Mrs. L. D. Greenlaw, Mrs. Prentiss B. Carter, Mrs. Jason E.
Bateman, Mrs. C. N. Kemberlin, Mrs. J. Vol Brock, Mrs. M. A. Thigpen, Mrs.
Lat B. Foil, Mrs. E. E. Sylvest, Mrs. Chess Mizell, Mrs. E. M. Causey, Mrs.
C. R. Patton, Mrs. Zuma Magee, Mrs. C. J. Gayer, Mrs. B. E. Bickham, Sr.,
Mrs. J. E. Albritton, Mrs. Delos J. Magee, Mrs. Hezzie R. Sylvest, Mrs. O.
C. Chance, Mrs. Essie Foil, Mrs. Wilmer W. Knight, Mrs. Wilfred Bullock,
Mrs. William J. Russell, Mrs. V. E. Kealhofer.
An interesting and much moor complete history of this great organization
was compiled by Mrs. Zuma F. Magee in 1976 for the Bi-centennial. Mrs.
Magee included in the history "Memoirs" of the Beginning of the Baptist
Woman's Missionary Union of Washington Parish, La., published in 1920 by
Mrs. L. D. Greenlaw.
The Baptist Bible Institute opened in New Orleans in 1918, further
strengthening the bond between the Baptists of this area with the Louisiana
Baptist Convention. The Baptist Bible Institute was the predecessor of the
present Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Institute and later the
Seminary provided trained leadership which was essential to the growth that
led to the position of esteem and respect now enjoyed by Southern Baptist
in Washington Parish.
The Washington Parish Baptist Association which began in 1894 with the
Franklinton Baptist Church and 4 other churches now has a membership of 33
churches, most of which are full time churches with Pastors on the field.
All have strong church related organizations. In 1894 two other churches
which formed the Washington Parish Baptist Association were Tangipahoa
Parish Churches.

Obituary: Rev. J. J. Walker
Rev. J. J. Walker was one of the last Franklinton Pastors with a complete
Mississippi background. He was born near Westville, Mississippi in 1853. He
married Sarah J. Brown I 1876. He was licensed to preach in 1879, and was
ordained a short time later. The first ten years of his ministry was spent
in Simpson and Covington counties. About 1889 he moved to Hebron in
Lawrence County. He served 2 years as a Missionary of the Strong River
Association. His wife died while he was serving in that capacity. He
resigned and moved to Wesson, Miss., where he married Mrs. Fannie
Pettigrew. He then moved to McComb.
Rev. Walker moved to Amite County in 1898 and lived at Glading on the
Liberty-White Railroad where he pastored churches in that area. In 1906
Rev. Walker resigned with the intention of moving west, but instead moved
to Shubuta, Miss. Rev. Walker came to Franklinton in 1915. We have no
record of where he moved to after leaving Franklinton.

The 75 Million Dollar Campaign was undertaken by the Southern Baptist
Convention in 1919 to raise that amount of money for denomination-wide
causes. The campaign was a failure but it provided the foundation for the
present Cooperative Program, which was organized in 1925. The state-wide
goal for the Cooperative Program (1926) was $237,000.
The 75 Million Dollar Campaign caused a number of churches to withdraw from
the Washington Parish Baptist Association and other churches not to join
the Association. The Franklinton Baptist Church remained in the Washington
Parish Baptist Association, although the membership was not completely in
favor of the Campaign.
Rev. H. E. Pettus came to the Franklinton Baptist Church as Pastor in 1920.
He was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1883 and was a graduate of Union
University at Murphreesboro, Tennessee. He was a Primitive Baptist but
changed to Southern Baptist before coming to Louisiana. Brother Pettus came
to Franklinton from Ringgold, LA.
Rev. Pettus is well remembered by old-timers. He did not own an automobile.
He regularly walked as far as Lawrence's Creek south of Franklinton and an
equal distance north of town visiting the membership of the church.
Rev. Pettus at this time (1977) is alive and is a resident of a Nursing
home in Houston, Texas. He is the father of Herschel C. Pettus, Executive
Director of the Louisiana Baptist Foundation.
The Franklinton Baptist Church had a well-organized Sunday School and
B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People Union) by 1922. The B.Y.P.U. was the
predecessor of the present Training Union. At that time there was no
organization for training adults in the Church. Among those who served as
leaders of these organizations through 1922 were as follows:
Sunday School Superintendent - J. K. Johnson, M. A. Thigpen
Sunday School Secretaries - Lat B. Foil, Lela Varnado (later became Mrs.
Claude Gann)
B.Y.P.U. Leader - Miss Marie Magee
Other church leaders through 1922 were as follows:
Deacons - D. A. Self, M. I. Hennessy, M. A. Thigpen, D. J. Bateman, Willie
Pierce, W. W. Varnado
Trustees - Paul E. Greenlaw, C. J. Gayer, Jason E. Bateman
Church Clerks - D. A. Self, L. E. Breland
Church Pianist during this era was Miss Clara Mae Simmons. She later
married Frank Payne.
In 1922 during the Pastorate of Rev. Pettus, the old brick building which
stands on the southeast corner of Cleveland and Self Streets was erected.
Plans for the building were drawn by L. B. Renard, who along with Delos C.
Wood, contracted construction of the building. It was one of the first
three brick or masonry type church buildings to be erected in Washington
Parish. For some years after its completion, it was considered to be one of
the most attractive buildings of any kind in the Parish. Post Card pictures
of it were on sale at the Babington Drug Store.
The old frame building at the time occupied the site. In preparation for
construction, it was mounted on poles and rolled to the back of the lot to
be used by the church during construction.
There were a number of delays during construction due to exhausted building
funds. The first floor, which was underneath the auditorium, was not
completed until some months after the church occupied the building.
When these delays occurred, Senator Delos R. Johnson, Sr. was instrumental
in organizing fund-raising campaigns in order to get construction underway
again. Several times he called the church leaders together in meetings held
in his office. His office at the time was located on the 2nd floor above
the Babington Drug Store.
Meadie Knight recalls an interesting incident, witnessed by him, in
connection with the financial problems of the church during construction.
The incident occurred during the week preceding the Sunday the church was
to occupy the building. Meadie was a young boy at the time and was on the
front porch of the home of his father, Mr. W. E. Knight, Sr. He remembers
that Mr. Johnson drove up to the home and asked for Mr. Knight. He told Mr.
Knight that if the church occupied the building that Sunday they would have
to have $500.00. He suggested that if Mr. Knight would contribute $250.00,
he would contribute the other $250.00. Both men wrote checks on the porch
for $250.00 each. Mr. Johnson took the checks and departed for town. The
church occupied the building that Sunday.
The auditorium was located on the 2nd floor with the pulpit at the rear or
east end of the building. A concrete Baptistry was located near the pulpit.
It was covered by flooring when not in use. A balcony was located on the
south and west sides of the auditorium. It was also used as Sunday School
space.
The building was heated by a big wood burning furnace located at the rear
or east end of the 1st floor. It burned sticks of wood about 3 ft. long.
Hot air was carried by ducts from the furnace to a number of vents in the
floor in the auditorium. At times there was trouble with the heat,
especially during long periods of wet weather.
The big bell was installed in the belfry which was located in the northwest
corner of the building north of the balcony. It later had to be taken down
because it was so heavy that it was causing damage to the building.
Rev. J. D. (Buck) Carroll was called as Pastor of the Franklinton Baptist
Church in 1926. Rev. Carroll had powerful impact on the church as well as
the entire community. This was especially true of the young men of the
community.
Rev. Carroll was a big man with a strong personality. He was not married
when he came to Franklinton and was a young man in his thirties. This was
during the years when Franklinton High School had some of its greatest
football teams. The dirt and gravel roads were frequently bad during rainy
periods and automobiles were not plentiful in those days. The doors of the
parsonage were always open and the coffee pot on for any of the boys caught
in town after school with no way home. The beds at the parsonage were
usually taken up. There were no lights for night ball games - all games
were played in the afternoon.
A number of out-of-Parish preacher-boys came to live in the Parsonage with
Rev. Carroll and attend the Franklinton High School. Dr. R. H. Whittington,
who recently retired at Louisiana College, was among these boys. Dr.
Whittington entered the ninth grade at Franklinton after being out of
school for 7 years. He graduated from the Franklinton High School in 1930.
A number of local boys entered the ministry due to the influence of Rev.
Carroll. Among these were the late Rev. Willard Wood, Rev. Ronald Alford,
and Dr. T. J. Delaughter.
Rev. Carroll was involved in the organization of Sunlight Baptist Church
located west of Franklinton. He also frequently served as a substitute
teacher at the Franklinton High School. Church attendance was very good
during the pastorate of Rev. Carroll. It was frequently necessary to place
chairs in the aisles in order to seat the Congregation.
Rev. Carroll left the church about 1930. The parsonage was then torn down
and rebuild on 10th Avenue where it now serves as the Educational
Director's home.
Church leaders during this period were as follows:
New deacons - W. E. Magee, Sr., Dr. E. M. Causey, Sr.
Church clerks - Mrs. C. J. Gayer, M. S. Cone
Sunday School Superintendents - W. A. Erwin, W. W. Porter
Sunday School Secretaries - W. A. Erwin, M. S. Cone
B.Y.P.U. Leader - Fred Bateman

During the depression years which reached Franklinton about 1931, it was
necessary for the Deacons to get out on the streets in order to raise
enough money to pay the Pastor's salary.
Rev. John Henry Smith (1891-1955) came to the church as Pastor in 1931. He
was the first Pastor to live in the Parsonage after it was rebuilt on 10th
Avenue.
We are indebted to Rev. Smith for most of what we know about the early
history of Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church. It was his research that
provided the connecting link between Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church and the
Mississippi Baptist Association. The marker commemorating the founding of
the church, now on the clay floor of the original church, was put there
through his efforts and during his Pastorate. The Washington Parish Baptist
Association met at the site one or more times while he was Pastor of the
church.
After leaving Franklinton, Rev. Smith served as Chaplain of the Louisiana
State Prison at Angola for a number of years.
In 1931 Mrs. Vernice Bateman Corkern gave the church a modern Baptistry in
memory of her late husband, John T. Corkern. He was a son of Rev. C. T.
(Thomas) Corkern (1861-1926). Rev. C. T. (Thomas) Corkern was a brother of
Rev. I. E. (Early) Corkern and a first cousin of Rev. E. F. (Edwin)
Corkern.
The 3 Corkerns were among the very early native-born Washington Parish
young men to enter the ministry. Rev. C. T. Corkern lived out his life in
Franklinton. He preached at the Franklinton church many times and served
the Church as acting Pastor.
Rev. C. T. Corkern was the father of Mrs. C. J. Gayer, Mrs. W. M. Edwards,
and Mrs. Marion T. Knight.
Rev. W. L. Compere came to the Franklinton Baptist Church as Pastor in
1936. He remained here through the balance of the 1930's and into 1941.
During his Pastorate the church installed theater type seats in the
auditorium in a project under the leadership of Mr. Delos R. Johnson, Sr.
The church paid $1000.00 for the seats. Quite a few of them are still in
use in Sunday School rooms in the old building. They were purchased from
the Tulane Theater in New Orleans. The Men's Brother Organization was
organized in 1937 while Rev. Compere was pastor. The enrollment of the
organization climbed to over sixty. The Brotherhood bought a bus to be used
in mission work among the French people in South Louisiana. Several car
loads of people from the church accompanied the men to deliver the bus to
the mission field.
The Church prospered during the Pastorate of Rev. Compere. He was a young
man and was popular throughout the Franklinton community. He recently
retired as President of Clarke College, at Newton, Mississippi.
Church leaders during the 1930's were as follows:
Deacons: W. Ellis Varnado, E. Y. Breland, Murphy J. Sylvest, N. L. Smith,
H. Prentiss Magee, C. J. Gayer, Oner N. Miller, Eric Fussell, C. R. Patton,
W. W. Porter, S. E. Magee, John Pigott, D. A. Self, Wilmer W. Varnado, Dr.
E. M. Causey, Sr., W. E. Magee, Sr.
Church Clerk: Wilton W. Magee
Church Treasurer: D. A. Self, Eric Fussell
Sunday School Superintendents: Murphy J. Sylvest, W. W. Porter, Z. A.
Davis, N. L. Smith
Sunday School Secretary: C. J. Gayer
Trustee: Fred Bateman
W.M.S.: Mrs. P. B. Carter

Rev. G. A. Nelson came to the Franklinton Baptist Church as Pastor in 1941.
This was an unsettled period of time. The United States was in the process
of building up its Army and Navy. Army camps, ship yards, and Defense
Plants were under construction. All members of Reserve Military Units were
being called to active duty. The local National Guard Unity had already
been called to active duty January 1940. Many people were leaving the
Franklinton community. Rev. Nelson resigned as Pastor during late 1942 to
enter the Armed Services as Chaplain. He informed the church leaders of his
intention to do that soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
Rev. J. E. Albritton was Pastor of the Franklinton Baptist Church during
most of the war years. He came to the church in 1943. This was difficult
and confusing times for both the church and Pastor. Most of the able-bodied
young men were in Armed Services, and many other people were away much of
the time working in defense plants. The church placed a big plaque in the
auditorium entitled "Honor Roll" which listed all members of the church in
the Armed Services. The dreaded telegrams, notifying next-of-kin of
casualties, were always present.
During 1942 Miss Dean Foil was hired as a paid church secretary. For
several years she had been serving the church in that capacity and as
pianist without pay.
Rev. Albritton resigned during 1947 and accepted a call from a church in
the Mobile, Alabama area. He, too, was a very popular man in the
Franklinton community. During his Pastorate the old bell was again put into
service. It was mounted on a scaffold on the rear of the building.
Rev. Thomas G. Ashby was called to the church as Pastor in 1947. During his
Pastorate the church made its first attempt to expand its facilities. The
proposed plan was to extend the old brick building to the street on the
front with a steeple on the front. The project was to be expensive and
there was little money in a building fund. The old Parsonage site where the
auditorium now stands, was then a vacant lot. In order to help finance the
project, it was proposed to sell the vacant lot. The church budget for 1947
and 1948 was $15,000.00 per year.
The proposed plan to sell the vacant lot met immediate opposition from the
older membership of the church. Their feeling was that their forebearers
had made great sacrifice to acquire the church property, and they were
opposed to selling any part of it.
Other people in the membership were opposed on the grounds that the
proposed plan would only provide about 25% more Sunday School space. They
felt that there would not be enough additional space in view of the cost of
the project. As a result of the confusion in the church, Rev. Ashby
resigned as Pastor.
Dr. Theodore W. Gayer, a native of Franklinton, had recently retired and
returned to live in Franklinton. He was called as acting Pastor to try to
hold the church together until a permanent Pastor could be found. He had
had a long and distinguished career in Louisiana Baptist work, serving at
one time or another as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pineville,
President of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, Acting Secretary of the
Louisiana Baptist Convention, Superintendent of the Baptist Children's Home
in Monroe, and many other places of responsibility in Louisiana Baptist
Work.
A pulpit committee was appointed by the church. The committee was composed
of N. L. Smith, Griffith Johnson, Miss Genevieve Newman, Miss Corma
Stringfield (now Mrs. J. J. Warner, Jr.), and Daunton Gibbs. Dr. Gayer
agreed to serve as advisor to the committee. He met regularly with the
committee in Mr. Smith's office which was then located on the 2nd floor
above the Babington Drug Store.
Dr. Gayer was of great assistance to the committee due to his many years of
Louisiana Baptist work. He knew most of the ministers and their
backgrounds. Then, too, he knew most of the young ministers who came
through Louisiana College while he was Pastor of the First Baptist Church
of Pineville, La, where Louisiana College was located.
After considering a number of men, the committee came up with Dr. A. W.
Robbins, who was then Pastor of the Angie, La. Baptist Church. After much
consideration, the committee and Dr. Gayer agreed that he was the man for
the church. The committee recommended that he be called as Pastor. Dr.
Robbins came to the church during July 1949.
Until then the average Sunday School attendance was running considerably
below 200 per Sunday. The average Sunday School offering was less than
$200.00 per Sunday. The Church budget for 1949 was $15,000.00.
Under the leadership of Dr. Robbins, the church began to prosper. During
late 1949 it was necessary to rent the first floor of the Masonic Temple
next door in order to provide more Sunday School space.
Church leaders during the 1940's were as follows:
Deacons: M. A. Thigpen, W. E. Magee, Sr., C. R. Patton, W. W. Varnado, S.
E. Magee, M. E. Jenkins, C. J. Gayer, John Pigott, E. Y. Breland, N. L.
Smith, Delos J. Magee, Oner N. Miller, Eric Fussell, George Pittman, Robert
H. Bateman ('44), A. D. Roberts, Sr. ('44), D. H. Stringfield, Sr. ('44),
Marvin L. Miller, Sr. ('45), C. M. Jones, Sr. ('45).
Sunday School Superintendents: Delos J. Magee, Oner N. Miller
Sunday School Secretary: C. J. Gayer, Mrs. Lucy Kemp, Daunton Gibbs
Church Clerk: W. W. Magee
Church Treasurer: Eric Fussell
Church Secretary: Miss Dean Foil
Training Union Directors: Mrs. Ruby Miller, Miss Emma Lou Bulloch
Chorister: W. W. Magee, James Bailey
Pianist and Organist: Miss Dean Foil, Mrs. Helen Passman
Other church leaders during the 1940's are as follows:
W.M.U.: Mrs. B. E. Bickham, Sr., Mrs. Zuma Magee, Mrs. Delos J. Magee, Mrs.
J. E. Albritton
Brotherhood: W. W. Magee, J. O. Cagle, Roy Odell, Oner N. Miller, A. G.
Johnson, D. H. Stringfield, Sr.
Caretakers: Bill Crain
Chairman of Ushers: Oner N. Miller, N. L. Smith

During 1950, with the help of Mayor Heyward Green, Self Street on the north
side of the church property, was curbed. Later that year, with the help of
Mr. Delos R. Johnson, Sr., the church was incorporated as the First Baptist
Church of Franklinton.
During 1951 the church started mailing bulletins to its membership. Sunday
School attendance by then was averaging about 250 per Sunday. A movement
was begun to erect an auditorium south of the brick building. It was the
former site of the parsonage, which had been moved in 1930. N. S. Stone of
New Orleans was hired as the architect. On one Sunday $13,000.00 was
pledged on the building. On September 30, 1951, contract for construction
of the new auditorium was awarded to Kivett and Reel Construction Company
for $84,000.00. The late N. L. Smith was deeply involved in negotiations
between the contractor, architect and church during the planning and
construction of the building. There were a number of delays during
construction.
The new auditorium was dedicated on April 6, 1952. Dr. T. J. Delaughter, a
Franklinton native and by then on the faculty of the Seminary in New
Orleans, preached the dedication sermon. He was one of the local boys who
entered the ministry during the Pastorate of Rev. J. D. Carroll.
The church budget for 1953 was $20,000.00. Due to shortage of money, it was
decided to equip the auditorium for air conditioning, but not to install
the two air conditioning units until later. However, when hot weather set
in, the heat in the auditorium became almost unbearable. The men of the
church organized a fund-raising campaign to purchase the two units
immediately. They were installed during the middle of August.
During 1953, the church hired its first Youth and Educational Director.
Richard Foil of Bogalusa was hired for the position. His father, Irby Foil,
was a native of the Franklinton community. Richard worked hard and provided
great leadership for the youth of the church. He was very popular with the
entire membership of the church.
The average Sunday School attendance climbed to 300 during 1953. The Sunday
School offering was also averaging about $300.00 per Sunday. The need for
additional Sunday School again became critical. The Church budget for the
year was $22,500.00, but the offering was running well above the budget. In
fact, the offering came to $40,000.00. It was decided to remodel the first
and second floors of the old brick building into Sunday School space.
Contractor Ray Varnado, a member of the church, was awarded the job. Before
he had completed the two first floors, it was decided to remodel the entire
building into three floors. The total cost ran to over $30,000.00.
Miss Dean Foil resigned as church secretary in 1954. She began serving the
church in that capacity just after 1940, without pay. She then served
several years as part-time paid secretary, before employment as full-time
secretary. She was succeeded as secretary by Mrs. Richard Foil.
In 1955, the church gave the Baptistry from the old building to the
Springhill Baptist Church in memory of Rev. C. T. Corkern, who served as
Pastor of the Springhill church 17 years. This was the same Baptistry which
had been given to the Franklinton Baptist Church in 1931 in memory of John
Corkern, a son of Rev. C. T. Corkern.
By 1955 the church was being served by fifteen active Deacons. It was still
growing and the need for additional Sunday School space was again serious.
The church, that year, constructed the annex on the rear of the Auditorium.
The work was done by Contractor J. N. Young, a member of the church.
A group of leaders from the Pine community met with the Deacons of the
First Baptist Church during early 1956, asking for assistance and advice in
organizing the Pine First Baptist Church. Included were members of families
of the original Pine Baptist Church who withdrew from the church during
conflict, resulting in dissolution of the church many years ago. The
original church is said to have burned as a result of the conflict.
The original Pine Baptist Church was the home church of the late Dr.
William Henry Knight, long time Executive Secretary of the Louisiana
Baptist Convention. Dr. T. W. Gayer, a life-long friend of Dr. Knight, was
living at the time in retirement in Franklinton. He immediately became
deeply involved in the project and along with Dr. Robbins, rendered the
group much assistance and advice.
A lot was purchased on the west side of Louisiana Highway #62, just south
of the La. Highway #436 intersection, and a small frame building was
erected on the lot. The church was organized on September 9, 1956 with 59
members. The First Baptist Church of Franklinton contributed several
thousand dollars to the project.
The church began an experiment with early services during the summer of
1956, for the benefit of people who had plans to be out of town during the
day. In addition to the regular 11:00 a.m. service, there was an 8:30 a.m.
service. This schedule was also used during the summer of 1957. During
those summers, Dr. Robbins preached three sermons each Sunday. During the
summer of 1959, the services were moved up to 9:00 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m.
service was eliminated. After a few summers, early services were
discontinued.
The Church had a most unusual and interesting experience in 1956. The
Franklinton Post Office received a letter addressed to "Magee." A member of
the Magee family was given the letter. It was written by Rev. E. R.
Henderson, who said that he was Pastor of the Franklinton Baptist in 1906
and would like to visit the church in commemoration of the 50th anniversary
of his Pastorate of the church. He was a resident of Verona, Mississippi,
which was in north Mississippi. He could not remember the name of any
member of the church, but did remember that there were members of the Magee
Family on the church roll. No one on the church staff had ever heard of
Rev. Henderson, so Dr. T. W. Gayer was contacted. Dr. Gayer did remember
Rev. Henderson, and remembered that he and Rev. Henderson were fellow
students in a Bible Institute years ago. He also remembered that Rev.
Henderson was not a Southern Baptist Minister. He was associated with a
Missionary Denomination of Baptist.
Rev. Henderson was invited to come and preach to the Church on September
30th. Despite the fact that he was 77 years old, he insisted on preaching
both morning services and did a real fine job.
Rev. and Mrs. Henderson were invited to dinner by Mrs. Zuma Magee at her
home. The writer, his wife, and Dr. Gayer were also invited. Rev. Henderson
was able to recall quite a lot about his years in Franklinton, especially
the terrible tornado of April 1908 which demolished the Parsonage.
The church budget for 1957 was $36,000.00, and was easily met. The Sunday
School and Training Union continued to grow. Vacation Bible School
enrolment reached 248 that summer - an all-time record until then. The old
building was air-conditioned in time for the hot weather. The year 1957 was
the year of the 30,000 Movement - a campaign launched by the Southern
Baptist Convention to organize 30,000 new churches and preaching stations.
The following year, 1958, was a great year for the church. The budget was
raised to $42,000.00. The leaders of all the churches of the Association in
the western part of Washington Parish met early in the year to organize the
"Crusade of Western Washington Parish". Dr. Robbins was elected Director of
the Crusade.
The Crusade began June 15, 1958 and lasted two weeks, with services at
night at the Franklinton High School Football Park on Parker Street. The
congregation was seated in the stadium which had just been completed on the
east side of the park. The pulpit and choir were located on a platform in
front of the stadium. One meeting had to be transferred to the Franklinton
High School auditorium due to rain.
Dr. J. D. Grey, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Orleans, was the
evangelist for the Crusade. He was at the peak of his career, and was
considered to be one of the most able preachers in the Southern Baptist
Convention. The choir was under the direction of Donald Barks, Music
Director of the First Baptist Church of New Orleans. It was made up of
approximately 140 members from all the Baptist churches in the western part
of Washington Parish.
The Crusade was a great success. In fact, it was the largest religious
crusade of any kind in the history of Washington Parish. Estimated
attendance at the first meeting was about 1500 people. Before the end of
the Crusade, the stadium was usually about filled to capacity. Many
decisions were made. The Crusade had an impact on Washington Parish for
some years afterwards.
Mr. Maurice J. Welsh presented the church with a set of chimes, in memory
of his late wife, during 1958. Loud speakers were installed on the roof of
the auditorium. Miss Dean Foil and later Mrs. Helen Passman usually played
the chimes about 6:30 in the evening. They could be heard all over the
Franklinton community. The custom was suspended several years later when
Mrs. Passman became ill.
During 1958 the church bought two lots from Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Bickham,
Sr., to be used as the site of a proposed new Parsonage. The lots were
located on the west side of the 700 block of 10th Avenue. The old Parsonage
on the east side of 10th Avenue would then be used by the Youth and
Educational Director.
The number of Active Deacons serving the church was raised from fifteen to
eighteen at the beginning of 1959. The rotation plan continued to be used.
Under that plan each Deacon served a three-year term. Upon completion of
the first term, he was eligible for re-election to a second three-year
term. Upon completion of the second term, he was required to retire for at
least one year.
Miss Dean Foil resigned as church Organist during July of 1959, due to ill
health. She had served the church in that capacity since the early 1940's.
She was succeeded by Mrs. Helen Passman. Miss Foil died Dec. 5, 1960. The
old organ was pretty well worn out when Miss Foil retired. Plans were begun
to purchase a new one.
On April 19, 1959 the church voted to build a new Parsonage. Disagreement
arose over the type and cost of the Parsonage to be built. The Church
budget for 1959 was $48,000.00.
Church leaders during the 1950's were as follows:
Deacons: Delos J. Magee, E. Y. Breland, C. J. Gayer, George Pittman (1944),
Robert H. Bateman, D. H. Stringfield, Sr., John Pigott, Oner N. Miller,
Eric L. Fussell (1935), Charles M. Jones, John Alden Smith (1955), Daunton
Gibbs (1951), Rhodes Delaughter (1955), R. L. Bolton (1955), A. G.
Stevenson (1955), Leon Knight, Sr., (1950), Eugene L. Readinger (1959),
Clyde Fussell (1959), Ray Pettit (1959), N. L. Smith, Dr. Hollis A.
Stafford, Jr. (1957), James A. Wood (1950), Jessie Blackwell, Tom Ford, W.
W. Aaron.
Youth and Educational Director: Richard Foil, Beryl Vick, Tommy Berry
Church Secretaries: Miss Dean Foil, Mrs. Richard Foil, Mrs. Beryl Vick,
Mrs. Tommy Berry
Church Treasurer: Eric Fussell
Church Clerks: Miss Dean Foil, Daunton Gibbs
Church Organists: Miss Dean Foil, Mrs. Helen Passman, Dale Magee
Church Pianists: Dr. Lois Wales, Miss Brenda Knight
W.M.U. Presidents: Mrs. Wilmer W. Knight, Mrs. Wilfred Bulloch, Mrs. Essie
Foil, Mrs. H. R. Sylvest
Sunday School Superintendents: Leon Knight, Sr., Charles M. Jones
Sunday School Secretary: Daunton Gibbs
Training Union Directors: Oner N. Miller, Miss Lela Mae Knight, John Alden
Smith, Delos R. Johnson, Jr., Wade Dearman
Brotherhood Presidents: D. H. Stringfield, Sr., A. Griffith Johnson, Wilton
W. Pettit, Daunton Gibbs, James A. Wood
R. A. Boy Leaders: Wilton W. Pettit, Eugene L. Readinger, Elton Bateman,
Erroll Simmons
Church Music Directors: Richard Foil, James G. Bailey, Beryl Vick
Church Caretakers: James Bickham
Chairmen of Ushers: Leon Knight, Sr., N. L. Smith, George Pittman

The Church budget for 1960 was raised to $50,000.00. On January 21st of
that year, Dr. Robbins resigned as Pastor of the church to accept the call
of a church in Panama City, Florida. Rev. Tommy Berry, who was Youth and
Educational Director at that time, assumed the responsibility as acting
Pastor of the church. He was well liked by the membership and did a real
good job.
Dr. Robbins was called back to the church as Pastor on April 24, 1960. He
was again in the pulpit on June 5th. In the meantime the new Parsonage was
under construction as originally planned. It was completed on June 26th of
that year.
On December 11, 1960 the Johnson family gave the church the beautiful
stained glass memorial located back of the pulpit and choir, in memory of
Mr. Delos R. Johnson, Sr., who died on December 1, 1956 at the age of 77.
Mr. Johnson, during his lifetime, was one of the most prominent men in the
state of Louisiana. He was a dedicated servant of the church - serving the
church in many ways, but declined to serve as Deacon. He was legal advisor
to the church for many years. Mr. Johnson was one of the three members of
the committee appointed by the Washington Parish Baptist Association in
1932, to place a marker on the clay floor of the original Half-Moon Bluff
Baptist Church commemorating its organization in 1812.
The year 1961 was another good year for the church. The budget for 1961 was
$50,000.00. Franklinton celebrated its Centennial during the summer. In
cooperation with the celebration, quite a few men of the church grew either
a beard or a mustache. On Sunday mornings many of the ladies dressed in
costume suitable for the occasion. One Sunday at noon, the church, in
cooperation with other churches in town, stage a big picnic at the
Fairgrounds.
Mr. and Mrs. James G. Bailey donated an altar vase to the church during
April 1961. By the middle of 1961, more Sunday School space was badly
needed, but there was little money in the building fund. A loan was
obtained from the Louisiana Baptist Foundation for $90,000.00, with which
to construct the Educational Building located at the rear of the auditorium
facing Lee Street.
Plans for the new Educational Building were drawn by Architect Obrie of New
Orleans. It was to blend with the auditorium, and with two other buildings
proposed for the property in future years. Contract for construction was
awarded to Carter & Mullins of Columbia, Mississippi. Total cost of the
building plus equipment ran to about $104,000.00. It was dedicated
September 30, 1962. The budget for 1962 was $55,000.00.
The Sunday School reached its peak in 1963. Average attendance for the year
was 434, which was an all-time record. The average enrollment was 763. The
Training Union also was near an all-time high with an enrollment of over
250 and the average attendance about 150. The membership of the church that
year reached slightly over 1000, about 175 of which were on the
non-resident roll.
In 1964, the church bought the lot on the northwest corner of Mill and Lee
Streets, formerly occupied by the Franklinton Ice Company. The plant closed
down some months prior to 1964. The lot was bought from Mrs. W. J.
Richardson, a member of the church. The purchase price was $15,000.00. It
was later cleared, black-topped, and fenced for use as a parking lot.
Joe Baugh came to the church during 1968 as Youth and Educational Director.
The church bought a used bus during June for about $1600.00, to be used in
connection with youth activities.
After 1964, the Sunday School began to experience a gradual decline in
average attendance and enrollment. The Training Union also had the same
problem with about the same rate of decline. This decline was brought about
by such as:
1. Most families were becoming smaller.
2. Church lost some leaders associated with the school system, some of
which were very good youth leaders.
3. Confusion in the community due to school integration.

By 1968, the church was faced with other serious problems. All three
buildings were leaking badly. Repairs were attempted, but were
unsuccessful. One of the three, the auditorium, by then was sixteen years
old and in need of restoration and improvement, but this was not practical
unless the leaks could be eliminated.
Worse still, the financial condition of the church was not good. The
offering fell $4137.00 short of the budget in 1968. The church was forced
to cut spending on all budget items. The deficit continued to increase each
year. Part of the problem was due to the financial demand placed on some
families to finance education in private schools.
During January, 1969, Dr. Robbins became ill. Brother Joe Baugh filled the
pulpit during the months that Dr. Robbins was sick and unable to preach. He
also took over much of the Pastoral responsibility. He did an outstanding
job in both areas.
Church leaders during the 1960's were as follows:
Deacons: James A. Wood, Eric L. Fussell, W. W. Aaron, Charles M. Jones, Tom
Ford, Clyde Fussell, E. Y. Breland, Jessie Blackwell, Ray Pettit, Leon
Knight, Sr., Eugene H. Readinger, Daunton Gibbs, Dr. Hollis A. Stafford,
Jr., Oner N. Miller, Nolan L. Smith, John Alden Smith, George Pittman,
Robert H. Bateman, Alex Fazekas (1961), R. L. Bolton, V. E. Kealhofer
(1961), Gerald P. Himebaugh (1965), Vernon Corkern (1967), Dr. A. L.
McMillan (1967), O. D. Myles (1963), James M. Ware (1963), John Belcher
(1963), Charles Stafford (1963), James Stafford (1967), Victor Murray
(1969), Dr. John M. Stafford (1969).
Treasurer: Eric L. Fussell
Clerks: Daunton Gibbs, Mrs. Aline Smith, Oner N. Miller, Mrs. Ruby Miller
Youth and Educational Directors: Tommy Berry, John Charles Murphy, David
Murray, Joe Baugh
Church Secretaries: Mrs. Tom Berry, Mrs. Ruby Miller, Mrs. Pauline Bankston

Sunday School Superintendents: Charles M. Jones, Leon Knight, Sr., Daunton
Gibbs, Charles Stafford
Sunday School Secretaries: Daunton Gibbs, Murphy Burch, Mrs. Aline Smith,
J. C. Simmons
Training Union Directors: Wade Dearman, V. E. Kealhofer
Training Union Secretary: Mrs. A. W. Robbins
Music Directors: Tom Berry, Dr. James G. Bailey, Cecil Trantham, Byron Dunn
Wales, John Belcher
W.M.U. Presidents: Mrs. Zuma Magee, Mrs. W. J. Russell, Mrs. W. W. Knight,
Mrs. O. C. Chance, Mrs. V. E. Kealhofer, Mrs. Essie Foil
Brotherhood Presidents: Frank Lane Stringer, Oner N. Miller, Arbie Corkern,
James W. Ware
Chairman of Ushers: George Pittman
Caretakers: Bill Sharp, Percy Dedon
Church Organists and Pianists: Mrs. Helen Passman, Dr. Lois Wales, Miss
Brenda Knight, Miss Beverly Bailey, Mrs. O. D. Myles, Mrs. Jerry Dick, Mrs.
Andrew Johnson

The budget for 1970 was $72,700.00. Included in the budget was $900.00 for
a Baptist Mission in Ephrata, Washington. This amount was paid at the rate
of $75.00 per month. The church fell short over $12,000.00 on the 1970
budget. Despite the shortage, the church met its commitment to Ephrata, but
had to cut back on all other items of spending. Some months after 1970, the
mission joined another body of Baptist other than Southern Baptist, and the
contribution was discontinued.
During March 1970, on recommendation from the Deacons, the church voted to
change its system of electing Deacons. They were to be nominated and
elected directly by the church beginning with 1971. Letters were mailed to
all church families during August informing them of the bad financial
condition of the church, but there was little response. In the meantime, a
big Revival was planned for January. Mike Gilchrist was the evangelist. The
Revival was rather successful - attracting big crowds, but it was
expensive. It cost the church about $1900.00 above the Revival offering.
By January of 1971 the Deacons realized that repairs to put all three
buildings back in good condition and free of leaks were going to have to be
extensive and expensive - probably more than $100,000.00. Some thought it
would be better to move to a new location and build an entire new church
plant. The Chairman of the Deacons appointed a committee to study the
feasibility of moving to a new site. Mr. James W. Ware was appointed
chairman of this committee. The committee reported that due to the cost and
opposition to the plan, it was not feasible to move to a new location.
The Church Library was organized and set up in 1971 under the leadership of
Bro. Joe Baugh. Mrs. Vicki Knight was involved in the project of setting up
the Library. She was assisted by a representative sent to the church from
the Sunday School Board.
Back in 1970, the church hired Bogalusa architects, Knight and Koonce, to
study the leak problems, and recommend a solution. Their recommendation was
an entire new roof complex for the Auditorium and Educational Building. The
roofs would extend out over the walls with plenty of eaves. During March
1972, the church awarded the contract for the project to Seal Lumber
Company for $107,645.00. The money to finance the project was borrowed from
the Washington Bank and Trust Company. Ray Sylvest was Chairman of the
Building Committee.
During July 1972, more than 100 members withdrew their membership from the
church to organize Hillcrest Baptist Church. Nine of the eighteen active
Deacons were among this group. The roof complex project was well underway
by this time. Ray Sylvest resigned as Chairman of the Building Committee
and was succeeded by Clyde Fussell, who had recently retired as Vice
President of the Washington Bank and Trust Company.
The new chairman, Clyde Fussell, faced and overcame many problems and
delays. He worked almost full time at the church and was finally able to
bring the project to completion during the Spring of 1973.
The Deacons decided to complete 1972 with the remaining nine active Deacons
serving the church. During September the Deacons decided to return to the
Committee method of nominating and electing Deacons. This was to take
effect on January 1, 1973 with fifteen active Deacons serving three-year
terms, using the rotation system as it was prior to 1971. The offering for
September was above the budget for the first time in months. V. E.
Kealhofer was Chairman of the Deacons during 1972. It was a difficult and
trying year for him.
The year 1973 was a good year for the church. As soon as the roof complex
was complete, the project of painting and improving the auditorium was
begun. Carpet was put down on the floor of the auditorium. A committee of
ladies selected the colors used in the auditorium. A special fund was set
up to buy cushions for the pews. Mrs. Aline Smith was the leader of that
project. Those serving on the Building Committee at the time of completion
in addition to Clyde Fussell were as follows: Othar Simmons, Mrs. A. G.
Magee, Leon Knight, Ray Varnado, Mrs. W. R. McGehee, J. S. Thomas, W. W.
Aaron, and Mrs. J. Y. Seal. Those assisting the Building Committee in
various ways were as follows: Mrs. Clyde Fussell, Royce Thomas, V. E.
Kealhofer, and Thomas Arthur.
The project was dedicated at the Sunday morning service on July 1, 1973.
Rev. J. E. Albritton, former Pastor, preached the dedication sermon. The
offering for 1973 exceeded the budget by $6398.00. This was the first year
that the church overpaid the budget since 1967.
During the summer of 1974, Rev. Joe Baugh resigned as Youth and Educational
Director to accept the call as Pastor of the Natalbany Baptist Church. He
had been here since 1968. Rev. Baugh was succeeded by Jay Gilbert. Both of
these young men did an outstanding job in all areas of church life.
In 1974 the men began the custom of preparing breakfast at the church for
the men on the first Sunday morning of the month. Cooks and promoters of
this project have been Jerry Warren, V. L. Bridges, A. Griffith Johnson,
Royce Thomas and David Bickham.
One of the first projects undertaken by men in the breakfast meetings was
the idea of a church bus with special emphasis on youth activities. The old
bus, which had been bought second-hand in 1968, was then almost beyond use.
A special bus fund was set up. Among those who worked hard to sell the
church on the idea of a bus were Jerry Warren, Othar Simmons, Meadie Knight
and Royce Thomas.
At first there was some opposition to the bus. However, most of the problem
centered around the type of bus, the seating capacity, cost and the manner
in which the bus was to be financed. No decision could be reached, so a
compromise was worked out whereby the church agreed to purchase a new van.
There was seldom a breakfast without mention of the bus. Jerry Warren and
Royce Thomas continued to campaign for the bus at every possible
opportunity.
During 1974, several men, assisted by their wives, organized work nights at
the church. This was a campaign to repair, improve, and upgrade the old
building with volunteer labor. Those involved in the project were Jerry
Warren, Royce Thomas, V. L. Bridges and John Alden Smith. Under the
leadership of Bro. Jay Gilbert, the third floor was set up for youth and
recreational activities under the name the "Upper Room".
The Play School for three and four year old children was organized by Mrs.
Vicki Knight and Mrs. Jo Ann Simmons during the early part of 1975. It is
located on the first floor of the Educational Building. Also, during 1975,
the church purchased a new sound system for the auditorium. This project
was under the leadership of Dr. James G. Bailey. The cost of the system was
$6000.00.
At the end of 1975, Eric Fussell retired as Treasurer of the church. He had
served in that capacity for forty years, longer than any person in the
history of the church. He took over the responsibility in 1935, succeeding
David A. Self, who retired at that time. Mr. Self had served as Treasurer
since 1920 or before. Some idea of how the church finances grew during the
forty years that Eric Fussell served as Treasurer is shown by the 1936
budget, the first year he served as Treasurer.

1936 Budget

1. Janitor $ 50.00
2. Fuel, lights, water 125. 00
3. Bldgs. and repair 100.00
4. Insurance 81.20
5. Literature 250.00
6. Pastor's Salary 1800.00
7. Co-operative 600.00
8. Louisiana College 25.00
9. Dodd College 25.00
10. Acadia Academy 25.00
11. Convention Expense 40.00
12. Children's Home 120.00
13. Revival and Expense 125.00
14. Missions from W.M.U. 75.00
15. Specials (Church & S.S.) 100.00
16. Miscellaneous 40.00
Total $3681.00

The Sunday morning service on August 17, 1975 was dedicated to honor Eric
Fussell for his long and faithful service to the church. He was not aware
of the honor before the service began. Benjamin Fussell, a nephew,
succeeded Eric as Treasurer.
James M. Ware was Chairman of the Deacons in 1975. During the year he
became seriously ill and was forced to retire. He was succeeded by V. L.
Bridges, the Vice-Chairman. Mr. Ware came to Franklinton as Principal of
the High School in 1949. He served the church in many ways during his years
in Franklinton. Mr. Ware died Aug. 23, 1977.
The Bi-Centennial year, 1976, was another good year for the church. The
Sunday School and Training Union was growing again. The church overpaid the
budget by over $12,000.00 for the year.
The church celebrated the Bi-centennial on July 3rd, since the 4th fell on
Monday. A. Morgan Brian, a prominent New Orleans Attorney and Baptist
Layman, was the guest speaker at the morning service. At noon there was a
big picnic which had to be moved indoors due to rain. Many members of the
church dressed in costume appropriate for the occasion. There were a number
of contests in connection with this. Despite the rain, it was a great day
for all present.
During November 1976, after many months of study, the church voted to buy a
new Ford bus, costing $26,000.00. The bus was to be air-conditioned and
seat 41 passengers. It was bought from the Kent Bus Company of Fluker, LA,
and was delivered during the summer of 1977. V. E. Kealhofer was Chairman
of the Bus Committee.
The church kitchen, located on the first floor of the old building, has
been the center of much church social activity for a long time. The late
Mrs. Bessie Willoughby was in charge of the kitchen for many years. She
died in 1970.
The "Homebound Mission" has been an important department of the Sunday
School for many years. Until the 1960's it was designated as the "Extension
Department". Mrs. Zuma Magee has been Superintendent of this department
since the 1920's, at which time she took over the responsibility from the
late Mrs. Rena Varnado. Through the years, a great amount of her time has
been spent visiting the sick, shut-ins, and aged - supplying them with
literature and keeping them in touch with the church. The present
enrollment of the Department is 61.
Music has always been an important part of the church service in the First
Baptist Church of Franklinton. Mrs. Jerry Dick has been Choir Director
since September 1970. Under her leadership, the choir, with the assistance
of Dr. Brian Fussell at the organ and Dr. Lois Wales at the piano, has made
an important contribution to the Sunday morning service.
Mrs. Beverly Young and Wayne Kuhn have made an outstanding contribution to
the church services in their work with the children.
Dr. Robbins has been Pastor of the church since the summer of 1949 - more
than 28 years - far longer than any other Pastor in the history of the
church. The church literally grew up under his leadership. Almost half of
the membership of the church can remember no Pastor other than Dr. Robbins.
Through the years he has ministered to the membership of the church at all
hours of the day and the night during times of sorrow and trouble. In fact,
his ministry during such times has extended outside the church into all
parts of the Franklinton community. His ministry has brought much prestige
to the First Baptist Church.
His family has stood faithfully at his side through the years. Mrs. Robbins
has always been active in all phases of church work. All three sons were
born and raised in Franklinton. All three were active in the church, never
casting anything except a good reflection on the family and the church.
When Dr. Robbins came to the church in 1949, there was only one building on
the church property, the old brick building, in addition to the old
parsonage on Tenth Avenue. The budget for that year was $15,000.00. In
addition to those buildings there are now two other buildings - the
auditorium and the Educational Building, and the new brick parsonage on
Tenth Avenue. The $96,000.00 budget for 1977 was overpaid.
The church enters the new year (1978) with a resident membership of over
600 and a non-resident membership of nearly 300. All church related
organizations are in good condition - the attendance is good. Plans are
underway for a building in the near future, to be located on the corner of
Self and Lee Streets. The budget for 1978 has been set at $113,000.00 - the
highest in the history of the church. The future looks good for the First
Baptist Church of Franklinton.
Church leaders during the 1970's were as follows:
Deacons: Eric L. Fussell, Robert H. Bateman, James A. Wood, Leon Knight,
George Pittman, Daunton Gibbs, Victor Murray, R. L. Bolton, Ray Pettit, Dr.
John Stafford, James Stafford, W. W. Aaron, V. E. Kealhofer, John Belcher,
John Alden Smith, Vernon Corkern, Clyde Fussell, Tom Ford, Dr. A. L.
McMillan, Ray Sylvest, Charles Stafford, Errol Jenkins (1971), Aubrey
Posey, Delos R. Johnson, Jr., (1971), Ray Kennedy (1973), Jerry Warren
(1973), Dr. James G. Bailey, V. L. Bridges (1973), Wiley Knight (1973),
Reggie Simmons (1976), Dr. Lee Mason (1976), James M. Ware, Dr. Brian
Fussell (1977), Royce Thomas (1977), Wayne Kuhn (1977), James Magruder
(1977), Ralph Watson (1978).
Church Treasurers: Eric Fussell, Benjamin Fussell
Church Clerks: Mrs. Aline Smith
Youth and Educational Directors: Joe Baugh, Jay Gilbert, Gregory Potts,
James Wallace
Church Secretaries: Mrs. Pauline Bankston, Mrs. Lillian Stafford, Mrs. Ruby
Miller, Mrs. Judy Kubale
Sunday School Superintendents: Daunton Gibbs, W. W. Aaron, James Stafford,
Royce Thomas
Sunday School Secretaries: Mrs. Aline Smith, Daunton Gibbs
Training Union Directors: V. E. Kealhofer
Training Union Secretary: Mrs. A. W. Robbins
W.M.U.: Mrs. Zuma Magee
Music Directors: David Corkern, Mrs. Jerry Dick
Church Organist: Dr. Brian Fussell
Church Pianists: Dr. Lois Wales, Mrs. Glenn Shelor, Jay Bailey
Chairman of Ushers: J. J. Warner, Jr., George Pittman
Caretakers: W. O. Crain, Jr., Percy Dedon, Louis Kuhn

Church Pastors

Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church Pastors
1812 Joseph Lewis, Sr.
1813 - 1824 Nathan Morris
1830 Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church dissolved
1866 Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church reconstituted by Rev. Willis J.
Fortenberry and Rev. J. E. Pounds. Pastors not known.
1873 Franklinton Baptist Church organized at Mile Branch from Half- Moon
Bluff membership

Pastors

1873 - 1878 William G. Stovall
1887 - 1888 Charles Sheppard
1889 T. B. Fortenberry
1894 - 1895 W. D. Bene (died at Franklinton)
1895 W. H. Williams
1897 Church moved to town
1904 E. H. Garner
1905 J. A. Crawford
1906 N. R. Stone
1907 E. R. Henderson
1909 S. W. Sibley
1911 Leon W. Sloan
1915 J. J. Walker
1918 C. N. Kemberlin
1920 H. E. Pettus
1926 J. D. Carroll
1931 John Henry Smith
1936 William L. Compere
1941 G. A. Nelson
1943 J. E. Albritton
1947 Thomas G. Ashby
1949 Dr. A. W. Robbins

Associations in which church held memberships:
Mississippi Baptist Association 1812
Pearl River Baptist Association 1820
West Pearl Baptist Association 1871
Magee's Creek Baptist Association 1880
Union Baptist Association 1894
Washington Baptist Association 1895



Bibliography

Mrs. Dixie Moss, a resident of Baton Rouge and a niece of Mrs. Zuma Magee,
has provided much information from her files and research.

Other sources of information

American Legion Magazine: Several Bi-centennial articles dealing with the
American Revolution
Census Records: Amite County, Mississippi; Washington, St. Tammany and St.
Helena Parishes, Louisiana
Cecil Ellzey: 1894 Union Baptist Association minutes loaned from collection
of W. E. Ellzey
Family of William Magee at Hays Creek, compiled by Daunton Gibbs, 1954.
History of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, by Marion J. B. Pierson, (Dr. Russ
Williams, Jr., copy)
History of Pike County, by Luke Conerly, 1909
History of Mississippi Baptist Association 1806-1906, by T. C. Schillings,
loaned by Mrs. Zuma Magee
History of the W.M.U., compiled by Mrs. Zuma Magee, 1976
Information from deceased old-timers: W. N. Graves, Leon V. Bankston, Mrs.
Alma Waller Magee, Dr. T. W. Gayer, Andrew D. Kemp, George Winston Magee,
Mrs. Clara Bateman Magee, and W. J. Magee.
Information from the files of Eric L. Fussell and A. Griffith Johnson
Information from Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Butler
Information from "Brotherhood Journal" - 1960's
Information from Associational Minutes - West Pearl Baptist Association,
Magee's Creek Baptist Association, and Washington Parish Baptist
Association
Mississippi Baptist Preachers
Reconstitution of Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church - Original minutes loaned
by Thomas Lloyd Graves
Records of Franklinton Masonic Lodge #101
Records of Mr. Bickham Christian
Records of First Baptist Church
Story of West Florida Rebellion by Stanley C. Arthur
Dr. Russ Williams, Jr. - Obits and other information



For the benefit of future historians, Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr. and Rev.
Nathan Morris are buried in Pinebluff Cemetery, located at Dentville,
Mississippi, which is thirteen miles northwest of Hazelhurst, Mississippi.
Rev. Willis J. Fortenberry is buried in the Pittman Cemetery located near
New Zion, Mississippi. Nick McCain is buried in the McCain Cemetery,
located on the west side of the Enon Highway just north of Lawrence's
Creek.