Saint Peter Baptist Church

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Church History 1868 The St. Peter Baptist Church of Plaquemine, Louisiana was founded in 1868 by Reverend George Holmes in a section of the city known as Irish Town - now part of the Mississippi River. Services were held in a cottage while the first congregation began to erect a brick building in which to worship. Due to the rising waters of the Mississippi River, the members had to move after work had progressed several feet on the wall of their new project. The present site was purchased at 58116 Court Street. Then the cottage which stood on the newly purchased site was used to hold services as a new building was erected around it. As the work progressed, the small cottage was torn down. This was the beginning of a foundation that stood for 131 years. Reverend George Holmes pastored faithfully until his death. During his leadership a Church Benevolent Society was organized. Reverend Israel Jones followed the leadership of Reverend Holmes. He pioneered seven o'clock worship services for the Protestants in our section of the state. During his leadership a church parsonage was purchased. The first choir was organized by the late Reverend Jake Holmes. During this time the first usher board was organized. Reverend Jones died in 1928. Reverend Randall officiated until Reverend Daniel Smith was elected in May 1929. Reverend Smith served for several years. At the end of his term, Reverend Frank Williams officiated until Revered. E.D.B. Reed, Sr., was elected in May 1935. During a period of 1935 - 1966, the old structure was remodeled, several hundred new members were added, several new auxiliaries were organized: Pastors Aid Club, Youth Fellowship, Beautifying Club, and a building Fund were started to erect the present new structure. Reverend Reed began serving in 1935 and pastored faithful until he became ill in 1980. Reverend Reed dided August 1980. Reverend Theodore Scott served as Assistant Pastor and subsequently as Interim Pastor during the illness and at the death of Reverend Reed. Reverend Theodore Scott was elected pastor in January 1981. He served faithfully until Reverend Adam Howell Landry, II was elected on July 6, 1983. After the resignation of Reverend Landry in November 1985, Reverend Van Smith Jr. was elected Interim Pastor for the remainder of the year. In January 1986, Reverend Van Smith Jr. was elected pastor of the church and is still serving. During this period, new directions have been sought and many souls have been added to the church by baptism, letter and Christian experience. Auxiliaries have been improved and some added. In October 1988, additions to the church were made including a multipurpose room, used for Sunday School classes and fellowships, a secretary's office, a kitchen and a pastor's study. The worship service is designed to inspire, uplift and sustain those who desire to make the Savior their choice. Rev. Smith, a multi-talented leader, is an icon in the community. His talents, as Preacher, Teacher, Musician and gifted leader have inspired many. Pastor Smith still strives for excellence and is a caring and a committed Shepherd. Our founders and leaders served well. They led the congregation in pioneering several community activities with the church as sponsor, such as daily Vacation Bible School, recreation activities which include an annual spiritual service for high school graduates. We pray that the present congregation will always stand as a beacon serving the purposes for which the church was organized.