About Us
About Us!
ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH OF VILLE PLATTE, INC. HISTORY
In 1901, God used Rev. Henry Antoine and 41 obedient men and women to give birth to His plan, the founding of the St. John Baptist Church of Ville Platte. God knew that this magnificent ministry, with its’ humble beginning, would impact generations to come. Meeting the needs of its people, Service was often in French. Seven (7) Deacons, some of who were the parents of some of our present and/or well known members, were a part of God’s plan: Brothers Clarence Skinner (Sis. Mildred Thomas’ father), Edward Skinner, Rosemore Alfred, Marshall Frank (Sister Lucinda Jack’s brother and our current Pastor’s Uncle), Artele Thomas, Morzel Dossman and Brother Hurks. Four (4) of these Deacons served as carpenters: Bro. Morzel Dossman was the head carpenter, along with Brothers Clarence Skinner, Rosemore Alfred and Edward Skinner. Together, they built the first structure that was named St. John Baptist Church. Bro. Morzel Dossman also built Rev. Antoine a house and donated it to him. Rev. Henry Antoine pastored St. John Baptist Church until his death in 1937.
1937 - 1955
In 1937, Rev. Atamus Deville was elected to pastor St. John Baptist Church. Church Officers under Rev. Deville’s leadership were: Sisters Armance Wilson Thomas, Leah Deville, Ida Skinner, Dorcina Sam Fontenot (“Mom Shwet”) and Octavia Dossman. Brothers were Edward Skinner, Rosemore Alfred and Clarence Skinner. Rev. Deville was concerned with the welfare of all members of the community. He, along with Rev. Edward Alfred and Rev. C.J. Jones, gave special attention to prison ministry and other affairs of the community. Under Rev. Deville’s leadership, the Church grew physically and spiritually. The building was remodeled to accommodate this growth. Auxiliaries were organized to expand the various Church ministries. Rev. Deville pastored St. John Baptist Church until his death in 1955.
1955 -1993
On July 7, 1955, Dr. Samuel Will Pullen was elected to pastor the St. John Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the Church continued to grow spiritually and physically. Many Boards and Auxiliaries were organized to enhance the ministries of the Church. In 1965, the Church experienced extensive remodeling. Pastor Pullen drew the plans and supervised the construction. Additions were made to the front and back to include various rooms and an indoor baptism pool. A cornerstone was laid on the new addition on November 14, 1965, with a special service commemorating the occasion. Names listed on the cornerstone are: Henry Stevens, Conner Lafleur, Clifton Jack, Henry Pitre, Gus Martin, Lindsey Fontenot and Wallace Thomas. The Deacons and Trustee Board included Brothers Henry Stevens, Earlis Cullivan, Avie Latigue, Gus Martin, Pitre Thomas, Lindsey Fontenot, Wilson Charles, Conner Lafleur, Henry Pitre, Sr., Joe Gloston, Edward Thomas and Ephraim Cullivan. St. John’s Administrative staff members were: Bro. Orise Lavigne (Usher and Church Custodian), Sis. Mildred Thomas (Recording Secretary), Bro. Conner Lafleur (Secretary/Treasurer) and Sis. Edna Pitre (Financial Secretary). Bro. Albert Rubin, Superintendent of the Church School initiated a progressive Sunday school program. Teachers were: John Joseph, Clinton Dick, Shirley Griffith, Derutha Dossman, Queen Ester Thomas, Atress Fontenot and Sandra Thomas. Bro. Curley Dossman, Sr. succeeded Bro. Rubin. Many of these positions have been filled by other members between 1965 and 1993 as vacancies occurred. The following properties were acquired under Rev. Pullen’s leadership: St. John Memorial Gardens, the site of our current edifice on Hickory Street, and the rental property (house) that was next to the old edifice, which is now the cafeteria. Rev. Pullen retired in 1993.
1993 - Present
Rev. Freddie J. Jack succeeded Rev. Pullen as Pastor of St. John Baptist Church on February 23, 1993. Rev. Jack, young, energetic, and full of the Holy Spirit, welcomed the opportunity to serve. Under Rev. Jack’s leadership, St. John has experienced extensive reorganization. A new Board of Trustees was elected and installed. The Articles of Incorporation were revised and the By-Laws were adopted in 1994. An Orientation Program for new members and converts was established. An Education Scholarship program was instituted to assist deserving St. John Baptist Church Youth to attend college. Many of our Youth have benefited from this Program. Standard forms and procedures were instituted for all transactions used in the Finance Ministry. Pastor Jack values teaching, training, studying the word of God, giving service, and praising God. He appointed a Deacon to each Auxiliary, Ministry, or Program to provide Spiritual advice and guidance. A training program was established to train members to carry out their various Church ministries. Members also attend conferences and workshops in and out-of-state. A Praise Team was established. A Praise Dance and Stomp Team were also established. The Red Circle Program was established to train Youth in Biblical studies and provide a place for spiritual nurturing. Under Pastor Jack’s leadership, the Church purchased additional property on Hickory Street, next to the site that was originally purchased. In 2002, construction on a brand new edifice was completed on the property on Hickory Street, which we are now in. Also under Pastor Jack’s wise leadership and with God’s powerful hand guiding, in 2007, only 5 years later, the brand new edifice built in 2002 was paid off and the note was burned. Immediately after the Note Burning, no time was wasted. The Church moved into their next Project and on October 8, 2009, there was a “Ground Breaking Ceremony” to commemorate the start of building the St. John Family Life Center which is intended to house the Church’s Fellowship Hall, additional classrooms and outreach ministries for the Ville Platte Community. On August 12, 2012, that dream became reality. The Family Life Center was opened and dedicated to God.
St. John Baptist Church has mothered thirteen (13) ministers since its’ humble beginning. With prayer and commitment, the Church has experienced physical, spiritual and financial growth. To God be the glory for the many souls who have come to Christ through the St. John Baptist Church ministry.