Quitman First Baptist Church recently marked its centennial
year, celebrating 100 years of ministry within and beyond the Louisiana community.
Quitman First Baptist Church recently marked its centennial
year, celebrating 100 years of ministry within and beyond the Louisiana community.
Church members marked the 100th anniversary of the church during
September 9 activities that focused on the theme, “Crown of Rejoicing Celebration.”
The days services included special music by the Kings
Messengers quartet, a reading of the church history and remembrances from a
trio of former pastors on hand for the events – C.C. Milstead of Ruston,
Paul Johnson of El Dorado, Ark., and Lowell Reichardt of Florien.
Milstead was the 15th pastor of the church and served from
1946-53. Johnson served as the 18th pastor of the congregation from 1964-65.
Reichardt was the 23rd pastor in 1972-78.
During centennial services, current Pastor Donald Rudd based
his anniversary message on 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which speaks of the hope
and glory of the Christian church and its members.
Quitman First Baptist Church was established on September 1,
1901. Many of the records from the early church were destroyed in a later fire,
but it is known the church began with 11 charter members and called S.W. Smart
as its first pastor.
The church constructed its first building in 1904, only to
have it burn sometime prior to 1941. A second facility then was built, which
served the congregation for more than two decades.
A new sanctuary was dedicated in 1968, and a new education
building was constructed in 1975.
Through the years, the Quitman church has been served by 28
pastors, including Rudd, who has been pastor of the congregation since 1998.
The church currently averages about 83 persons in Sunday School attendance
and has a membership of 305.