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| CHURCH HISTORY
November 28, 1954 The first organizational meeting was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Q. E. Mathews. Twenty nine people attended the meeting, during which Brother Briggs agreed that First Baptist Church in Ferriday, LA. would serve as the mother church in this endeavor. Two officers were elected at this meeting:
During the meeting it was decided that any person coming into the mission during the month of December would be considered a charter member of the church. Those charter members were:
Some lots were donated to the mission and a tent was erected, but because the deed to the lots could not be secured and the weather was cold, the group began meeting in homes. Lots were later secured in the Mimosa Park area for $1,600.00. At the close of this meeting it was agreed that the group, along with Brother Shirley Briggs, would meet again. |
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November 17, 1955
The Ferriday Baptist Mission held its church organizational meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Smedley. Brother Briggs acted as chairman. Invited guests included deacons of the Ferriday First Baptist Church and the Vidalia Baptist Church. At this meeting it was decided to name the new church Sycamore Baptist Church, as land purchased for the church had been part of the old Sycamore Plantation. Upon unanimous vote, Brother Doss Tipton became the first pastor of Sycamore.
The church also agreed to give ten percent of its undesignated funds to the Cooperative Program and to affiliate with the Delta Association, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. The newly organized church then took an offering, collecting $9.00, which would be sent to the Cooperative Program. The State Mission Board gave $1,000 toward the new church building. Mr. Corbin and Mr. Perkins, Ferriday businessmen, donated a total of $500; while a number of other donations were also received. Building material was secured from Mr. C. T. Netterville of Buffalo Bayou, MS. Mr. Joe Pasternak of Ferriday financed the material for the completion of the building. March 1956 The first service was held in the new building. May 1956 The first Decons were elected and ordained. They were:
Also during this year, the Mission Board agreed to suppliment the pastor's salary, and a building program was begun by adding Sunday School rooms and living quarters for the pastor. July 1957 Brother Tipton resigned and Brother J. Thomas Harper was called to service in September of that year. Under his leadership the church was incorporated under the laws of the State of Louisiana. Lots closer to the highway were also secured from Mr. Claude Hammett, and the church building was moved to the more accessible location. Renovations were also made to the Sunday School rooms. A loan of $5,000 from the Louisiana Baptist Convention helped with these endeavors. January 1959 Brother Harper resigned. May 1959 Brother Tipton was called again to pastor. Much progress was made spiritually and financially during his second leadership. Additional property and a building to use as a parsonage were purchased. September 1962 Brother Tipton resigned and the church called Brother Walter Barnard to serve as interim pastor. Brother Walter Barnard worked faithfully, giving constructive leadership and guidance February 1963 Brother Lavelle Enterkin was called to pastor. Under Brother Enterkin's leadership the church entered into another building program, when a new auditorium was built at a cost of $22,000. November 13, 1964 The first all night preaching service was held in the new building. June 1965 Brother Enterkin resigned and Brother Mack Walker was called to pastor that same month. The Church continued to grow and was blessed under Brother Walker's leadership. July 1966 The property between the church and the highway was purchased for $6,000. July 1969 The new parsonage was completed and dedicated, at the total cost of $16,000. May 1971 A badly needed educational building was erected and dedicated to the memory of beloved members who had gone on to Glory. February 1980 The indebtness on this building program was retired. November 1988 Brother Walker resigined, following 23 years of service and leadership at Sycamore Baptist Church. Brother Don Bush served as interim pastor. August 1989 Brother Milton Sargent was called to pastor. The church underwent many changes during this time. The economic stability of the community was rapidly changing, with many leaving the area to seek employment. November 1994 Brother Sargent resigned and Brother Gene Chelette, the music director at that time, agreed to serve as interim pastor. After a few Sundays he was called as full time pastor and accepted. March 1998 Brother Ricky Cullum began serving as interim pastor until a full time pastor could be found. May 1998 - Present Brother Richard Cullum was called to pastor. Brother Richard Cullum has been instrumental in the repairs and remodeling of the church buildings. They include the following:
The church has continued to grow, and God has continued to bless the Sycamore Baptist Church. Ministers Additional minsters ordained at Sycamore Baptsist Church have included:
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Sycamore Baptist Church, All Rights Reserved
410 Hammett Addition Circle, Vidalia, LA 71373
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Worship: 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.
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