By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – Wallace Primeaux, retired director of missions and pastor, was moved to tears, recently, while recounting his time as a mess sergeant in World War II.
A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Primeaux said his two years as a cook for the U.S. Army in Japan helped prepare him for 73 years of service to Louisiana Baptist churches.
“I am overwhelmed when I think of it now,” Primeaux told the Baptist Message. “I matured during that time and learned responsibility and obedience, which are necessary for service. It was just a real blessing to serve my country.”
While he was serving in Japan, Primeaux sensed the call to ministry. Once he finished his tour of duty in 1946, he enrolled at Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University) to begin what he described as preparation for a lifetime of service to Louisiana Baptists.
Primeaux served just three churches: Oak Grove Baptist Church, Grand Chenier (1948-1958), Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church, St. Martinville (1958-1973) and Esther Baptist Church, Kaplan (1994- 2020). He also was director of missions for Evangeline, Gulf Coast and Adolphe Stagg Baptist Associations (1973-1994).
One of his most challenging moments in ministry took place in 1957, he said, when Hurricane Audrey devastated southwest Louisiana as a Category 3 storm (125 mph winds). Primeaux buried 14 members of Oak Grove Baptist, but also shared Christ’s love with many community members who were searching for hope.
Primeaux said the encouragement received from other pastors helped sustain him through that difficult time.
“I had good friends in our association of churches who stood with me,” Primeaux said. “The friendships with the pastors were real blessings, and they supported me, with the help of the Lord.”
Jessie Charpentier, moderator for Evangeline Baptist Association and pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist, said he is thankful for Primeaux’s steadfast commitment and godly example of service.
“It’s pretty significant to serve our country and to be a pastor and director of missions for this long,” Charpentier said. “He’s well respected and has such a solid witness and testimony. Wallace Prime[1]aux is a man of integrity who I am blessed to have learned so much from.”
Primeaux, who preached his final sermon on Dec. 27, 2020, at Esther Baptist, said he has been blessed to run a race marked by purpose and unity.
“Everywhere I have gone, I felt welcome,” Primeaux said. “The Lord has provided every step of the way and I am so thankful that I accepted his call many years ago.”
