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In 1901, a group of Christians, in the town
of Arcadia, Louisiana, gathered under a stately pine tree
that stood at the north west end of this campus and discussed the
organization of
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.
 The chartered members were: Brothers Walt Scott,
Sam Scott, Jack Scott, West Scott, Jack Shields, Gus Henderson, and Sisters Harriett Scott, Carrie Scott, Ella Scott, Martha Scott, Mary Scott, Fannie
Scott, and V. Roberson. Their purpose was sincere and with support of each
other and Jesus Christ, a church was erected. We pause today to salute these
great men and women for organizing the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Rev. L.
J. Crossly served as the first pastor for two years and assisted in the
construction. He ordained two deacon- Sam Scott and Jack Shields.
In 1905, Rev. W. M. Hicks was
called to serve as pastor and completed the church building. He added to his
official staff of deacons: Robert Washington, Tony Brown, and Stewart
Washington. The church progressed under his leadership.
In 1912, Rev. M. K. Jacobs was
called and served for four years. The membership grew. No new deacons were
added.
In 1916, Rev. Ray A. Mayfield
became pastor. During his administration, the church was remodeled and many
accepted Christ as their personal savior. The church membership was
increasing and more deacons were needed to carry out the work of the church.
Four deacons were ordained - Frank Nelson, St., V. Pearson, Valdore Atkins,
and Billy Brown; accepted Deacon R. W. Willis by letter and he was added to
the board of deacons. Rev. Mayfield served the church and community well for
17 years.
In 1933, Rev. S. L. Holland
was called to serve as shepherd of the flock. He was a man with a vision. He
continued the remodeling that began under Rev. Mayfield. Rev. Holland added
-Willie Davis, B. T. Henderson, and Moses Ford as deacons and accepted
Deacon Flemon L. Wilson by letter. During his pastorage, the previous church
building was begun. He also set up the first Trustee Board with Homer Scott
as chairman, others serving were Willie Davis, Sidney Stewart, Jim Hemphill,
Moses Ford, Flemon L. Wilson, Wes Sholars, and B. T. Henderson.
The previous church building was erected in 1952. After 23 years of
dedicated service s, Rev. Holland resigned because of health
problems. A good shepherd always think of his sheep and that is exactly what Rev. Holland was doing. He sent
Rev. J. B. Huey to preach for him as a farewell gesture. The church voted not
to accept Rev. Holland's resignation. Rev. Huey was so touched by the actions
of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church that he offered to conduct services free of
charge and was true to his promise. The church was so stirred with Rev.
Huey's Christian love toward his brothers and willingness to serve humanity
that they felt that he would be the type of leader that the church needed,
and following the death of Rev. Holland in 1953, Rev. Huey was chosen as
pastor. He completed the previous church building and added the fellowship
hall. The officers added were: Jim Hemphill, Wes Sholars, Amos Jackson,
Sidney Stewart, and received Elson Davis by letter. He to was forced to
resign because of poor health.
The church called Rev. D. M.
Survine in 1957. Under his leadership, full time service was initiated. Rev.
Survine served for 18 months.
Rev. A. M. Cathcart was called
in December 1959. Five deacons were
ordained: Leroy Blow, James Hemphill, Edward Mason, Jesse Kelley, Will Townsend, and accepted
Frank Dupree by letter. Additional bathrooms and lounges were installed.
Choir robes, carpet, hymnals, and an organ were purchased under his
leadership.
In June 1968, Rev. Henry
Stewart was called and served for 4 years. Central heat, air, and a new P.A.
system were installed. The membership grew.
In April 1973, Rev. Joseph
Coleman was called and served for four years. Under his leadership, the
church purchased new musical equipment, baptistery, pews, pulpit furniture,
and new carpet.
In 1978, Rev. Norah Banks, Jr.
was called and is presently serving. He renovated the previous church
sanctuary, acquired church bus, new choir robes, and a new piano. He ordained
three deacons - Kenneth Vernon, Ivory Morris, and Samuel Tobin. The
membership continued to grow under Rev. Banks' leadership.
In 1995, the church was
incorporated, thus; changing the name to the New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church,
Inc.
In August 1996, Rev. Banks
convinced the membership to under take a complete building program. The
previous structure was demolished and construction began on the present
edifice. After having the church demolished, preparing the pad, and pouring
the foundation slab an agreement was entered into with a group of Christian workers from Calimesa, California known as the Mobile Missionary Assistance
Program (MMAP). These were retired Christian men
 and women who traveled
throughout the United States repairing, renovating, and building religious
structures.
The MMAP group worked with us
from October 1996 to April 1997. They built (3/4) three-fourths of what you
see in this building. Labor cost was free of charge. The church only provided
materials.
The
church sits on 1.53 acres of land. It is valued at $400,000 plus dollars.
September 28, 1997 - Entrance Day Services 'were held at the New Pilgrim Rest
Baptist Church, Inc. November 23, 1997, dedication of the new church was
held.
On November 15, 1998 Rev.
Banks ordained five deacons ¬Ben Frank Jackson, Edward Jefferson, Edward
Mason, Jr., Harold Keith Mason, and Hayward Young. The New Pilgrim Rest
Baptist Church has had eleven pastors. Our present pastor, Reverend Norah
Banks, has been serving us for twenty nine years and has fed us with the word
of God. Our present membership is about 400.
In March 2004, New Pilgrim
Rest Baptist Church Cemetery was purchased
from Barbara Kilgore Lee, the daughter of the late Marie Kilgore of
Arcadia, La.
We truly believe that if
Pastor Banks continues to be guided by the Holy Spirit, there is no task too
great for us to conquer, because we know that we can do all things through
Christ who strengthens us.
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