By Message Staff POLLOCK – First Baptist Church in Pollock has established a memorial fund for a fireman who died following injuries sustained in a car accident Tuesday, Aug. 21. According to a press release from Louisiana State Police, John Whitaker, 33, died in Oberlin in a traffic accident. Brian Gunter, pastor of First Baptist Pollock, said Whitaker accepted Christ and was baptized at his church. While he recently moved to work for the Jennings Fire Department, Whitaker commuted back to Pollock some Sundays to attend church and spend time with his wife, Brittany, and their two daughters. Whitaker also attended Grace Community Baptist Church in Iota when his schedule would not allow him to travel back to Pollock. “John was a very dedicated and faithful husband and father,” Gunter told the Baptist Message. “We are all heartbroken by this tragedy and we are determined to help take care of John’s family since he no longer can.” To donate to the fund, go to any Colfax Bank branch and make checks payable to “The John Whitaker Memorial Fund.” All donations will be used to help with expenses for his daughters. … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – A mini concert by Matt Papa helped Louisiana College reopened the doors to its newly renovated Guinn Auditorium Thursday, Aug. 23, during the school’s first chapel service of the fall semester. LC President Rick Brewer told the students, faculty and staff gathered inside the 1,661-seat auditorium how thankful he was to be back in the facility which last hosted an event in June 2016. The building, used for chapel services, commencement exercises and other large gatherings, has new lights, sound system, HVAC, roof, ceiling, walls, floor and seats. “It’s awesome to be back in here again,” Brewer said of the $6.5 million renovation. “To God be the glory.” https://youtu.be/3-9FrQPkALg The building is one of 18 school buildings that have received interior and exterior improvements after GuideOne Insurance approved a claim for $18 million of projects that stem from an April 2015 hail storm. The school contacted GuideOne to request an inspection, which revealed the refurbishment would be rather costly but the insurer agreed to cover all the repairs. “GuideOne has been incredibly gracious throughout this process,” Brewer said. “We are deeply grateful for every consideration.” The Matt Papa … [Read more...]