CHURCH
Much has been written on the history of St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Francis on the Pointe Coupee Road and St. Stephens at Innis. Among the African African congregations in Pointe Coupee Parish, Little Rock Baptist Church in Morganza has a rich history beginning in 1872; when Rev Adam Lewis organized it as a society called the "Odd Fellows." Also, in 1872, Little Zion Baptist Church presently located on Highway 416 in Lakeland was organized.
In 1874, the "Odd Fellows" raised enough money to purchase land from John Ellsworth "in the neighborhood of Raccourci." A news article dated October 10, 1885 gives the name of the church as "Little Rock Ark of Light Benevolent Baptist Church." "We have seen the rules for the church and members, and if strictly adhered to, will be the means of promoting much good to the colored people." The early officers and families of the church were John Boone (Secretary), James Young (Treasurer), George Brooks, Stephen Coates, Walker Harris, Edward Johnson, Jack Lewis, John Nettes, Manuel Pearson, Addison Pearson, George Washington, Sam Young and Ward Young.
A Church history prepared by Vanessa Johnson gives enlightening data; "Martha Owens" is the first convert baptized into the congregation in 1886; "Louise Edward" is the first baby christened at Little Rock, she remained a member until her death. Her grandson, donated the communion table in her memory.
The cornerstone embedded in the front outer wall of the present Church bears a date of November 3, 1883. which suggests it came from an earlier building. This is highly significant because the Church was located in "The Spillway" and In 1927 when the Atchafalya River flooded; families began to move out of "The Spillway" to a safer area. The members were faithful and believed God would protect and provide for them. It was important that their Church building move to an area that was convenient and accessible to their members. According to Court house records, the congregation purchased the present site in 1944 from the Ravenswood Company, Inc. for a cash price of $725.00. Representing the Church during the transaction were Deacons Walker Harris, Louis Pearson, William Young and Ward Young. Other Deacons of the Church were John Boone, James Lewis and James Young. Some of the Young and Johnson family members developed a construction trade and used their gifts without being paid in moving the Church from "The Spillway" to its present location. These men were Mann Johnson, Ward Young Sr., Ward Young Jr. and others.
Little Rock's history of pastoral service from the Pastors who served is a testament to the men of God who committed their lives to serving others. Rev Adams Lewis was the founding Pastor and served for 64 years, ending his service at his death in 1952. Rev. Lewis' legacy was significant in leading the congregation in the building of two Churches and the relocation of the original grave.
The second Pastor was Rev. Dan Glasper. The third Pastor, Rev. Louis Pearson died on a "Sunday morning in the Church." The fourth Pastor was Rev. Walter Paige, his headstone marking indicates that prior to serving at Little Rock; he was the Pastor of Mt Olives in Lettsworth and Zion Traveler Baptist Churches The fifth Pastor,
Rev. George Molex Jr. served untiringly for nineteen years because of health issues, he resigned in December 2000. Rev. Molex was faithful to his calling and did not relinguish his duties until the sixth Pastor,
Rev. Willie O. Richard Jr. accepted the pastorate in May 2001. This allowed for a smooth transition in leadership; the elder transferring God's house to a young, eager and vibrant man of God. Under Rev Richard's leadership, the church and cafeteria have been remodeled, parking lot paved and computer system installed.
At the rear of Little Rock is a well maintained, but noticeable divided cemetery. The back section of the cemetery has more than 139 graves, all marked with the same small, rounded-top headstones used by the Government when relocating graves from the region to be taken up by the proposed Morganza Spillway. Judging by the number of headstones bearing the family names of "Harris" and "Young" it appears these famlies played a major role in the life and history of Little Rock.
Also found in the cemetery are the graves of some members who played a role in the United States Wars and Conflict: five from World War I, ten from World War II, four from the Korean War and one from Viet Nam War. The Veteran Administration's records show that World War I veterans James Moore and Walter Brown served in Company C 416 Labor Battalion, while Ward Young served in Company B 806 Infantry Unit. The military records of John Muro and Albert Farlow are missing from the Veterans Administration's record book.
Little Rock continues to be known for fire and brim stone preaching, powerful praying, commitment, discipline, and a firm belief in God. Even though many of the descendants of the founding families left the Pointe Coupee area during the great migration between 1913-1970 for Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Beaumont, Houston, Chicago, Oakland, and other cities for a better employment opportunities. However, many of the descendants of these families return to Little Rock the second Sunday in October for Homecoming to worship and to maintain their heritage. Those that are unable to attend send their contributions. The contributions are used for the maintenance of the grave and the Church.
Authors: Stafford Chenevert
William Johnson
Katherine Young Wright
Betty Young
Much has been written on the history of St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Francis on the Pointe Coupee Road and St. Stephens at Innis. Among the African African congregations in Pointe Coupee Parish, Little Rock Baptist Church in Morganza has a rich history beginning in 1872; when Rev Adam Lewis organized it as a society called the "Odd Fellows." Also, in 1872, Little Zion Baptist Church presently located on Highway 416 in Lakeland was organized.
In 1874, the "Odd Fellows" raised enough money to purchase land from John Ellsworth "in the neighborhood of Raccourci." A news article dated October 10, 1885 gives the name of the church as "Little Rock Ark of Light Benevolent Baptist Church." "We have seen the rules for the church and members, and if strictly adhered to, will be the means of promoting much good to the colored people." The early officers and families of the church were John Boone (Secretary), James Young (Treasurer), George Brooks, Stephen Coates, Walker Harris, Edward Johnson, Jack Lewis, John Nettes, Manuel Pearson, Addison Pearson, George Washington, Sam Young and Ward Young.
A Church history prepared by Vanessa Johnson gives enlightening data; "Martha Owens" is the first convert baptized into the congregation in 1886; "Louise Edward" is the first baby christened at Little Rock, she remained a member until her death. Her grandson, donated the communion table in her memory.
The cornerstone embedded in the front outer wall of the present Church bears a date of November 3, 1883. which suggests it came from an earlier building. This is highly significant because the Church was located in "The Spillway" and In 1927 when the Atchafalya River flooded; families began to move out of "The Spillway" to a safer area. The members were faithful and believed God would protect and provide for them. It was important that their Church building move to an area that was convenient and accessible to their members. According to Court house records, the congregation purchased the present site in 1944 from the Ravenswood Company, Inc. for a cash price of $725.00. Representing the Church during the transaction were Deacons Walker Harris, Louis Pearson, William Young and Ward Young. Other Deacons of the Church were John Boone, James Lewis and James Young. Some of the Young and Johnson family members developed a construction trade and used their gifts without being paid in moving the Church from "The Spillway" to its present location. These men were Mann Johnson, Ward Young Sr., Ward Young Jr. and others.
Little Rock's history of pastoral service from the Pastors who served is a testament to the men of God who committed their lives to serving others. Rev Adams Lewis was the founding Pastor and served for 64 years, ending his service at his death in 1952. Rev. Lewis' legacy was significant in leading the congregation in the building of two Churches and the relocation of the original grave.
The second Pastor was Rev. Dan Glasper. The third Pastor, Rev. Louis Pearson died on a "Sunday morning in the Church." The fourth Pastor was Rev. Walter Paige, his headstone marking indicates that prior to serving at Little Rock; he was the Pastor of Mt Olives in Lettsworth and Zion Traveler Baptist Churches The fifth Pastor,
Rev. George Molex Jr. served untiringly for nineteen years because of health issues, he resigned in December 2000. Rev. Molex was faithful to his calling and did not relinguish his duties until the sixth Pastor,
Rev. Willie O. Richard Jr. accepted the pastorate in May 2001. This allowed for a smooth transition in leadership; the elder transferring God's house to a young, eager and vibrant man of God. Under Rev Richard's leadership, the church and cafeteria have been remodeled, parking lot paved and computer system installed.
At the rear of Little Rock is a well maintained, but noticeable divided cemetery. The back section of the cemetery has more than 139 graves, all marked with the same small, rounded-top headstones used by the Government when relocating graves from the region to be taken up by the proposed Morganza Spillway. Judging by the number of headstones bearing the family names of "Harris" and "Young" it appears these famlies played a major role in the life and history of Little Rock.
Also found in the cemetery are the graves of some members who played a role in the United States Wars and Conflict: five from World War I, ten from World War II, four from the Korean War and one from Viet Nam War. The Veteran Administration's records show that World War I veterans James Moore and Walter Brown served in Company C 416 Labor Battalion, while Ward Young served in Company B 806 Infantry Unit. The military records of John Muro and Albert Farlow are missing from the Veterans Administration's record book.
Little Rock continues to be known for fire and brim stone preaching, powerful praying, commitment, discipline, and a firm belief in God. Even though many of the descendants of the founding families left the Pointe Coupee area during the great migration between 1913-1970 for Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Beaumont, Houston, Chicago, Oakland, and other cities for a better employment opportunities. However, many of the descendants of these families return to Little Rock the second Sunday in October for Homecoming to worship and to maintain their heritage. Those that are unable to attend send their contributions. The contributions are used for the maintenance of the grave and the Church.
Authors: Stafford Chenevert
William Johnson
Katherine Young Wright
Betty Young