Members at First Baptist Church of Lafayette marked a century
of ministry within their community during recent anniversary ceremonies.
Some 1,600 persons attended anniversary services, which featured
the premiere of a anthem commissioned from Claire Cloninger and Gary Rhodes.
Members at First Baptist Church of Lafayette marked a century
of ministry within their community during recent anniversary ceremonies.
Some 1,600 persons attended anniversary services, which featured
the premiere of a anthem commissioned from Claire Cloninger and Gary Rhodes.
The church was organized in November 1902 with just five charter
members. By 1927, it had grown to 266 members and had recorded 180 baptisms
in a four-year span.
By 1939, it had launched the first of many missions in the
Acadiana area.
By 1949, the congregation had moved to a new facility, which
would serve as home for the church for some 50 years.
In 1959, the church called the 10th pastor in its history –
Perry Sanders. By this time, the the church numbered 1,209 members and was the
largest non-Catholic congregation in Lafayette.
In ensuing years, Sanders and church leaders continued the
commitment to growth, establishing the church as a state leader in evangelism
and baptisms.
Televised broadcasts of church services began in 1963 and helped
cement the standing of the church in the community.
Growth has continued through Sanders tenure, with the
purchase of more property and the addition of a variety of ministries, including
a school through eighth grade.
In 1999, a fire destroyed the church sanctuary. Members responded
by pledging more than $8 million for construction of a new facility.
Construction on the 100,000-square-foot facility began in April
2002 and is set for completion in early 2004.
Meanwhile, the church 4,650-member church continues to expand,
with an Internet presence and a Christmas television special that airs nationally
each year.
“Our spiritual forefathers had a great vision and have many achievements
to their credit,” Sanders noted in recognition of the centennial celebration.
“But we believe that the next 100 years will be even greater than anything
in the past.”