Church History
In 1869 St. James was organized by Rev. P. Jenkins. Officers were Bro. R. Roberson and Bro. P. Baker. The first Pastor was Rev. Barlow James White. Together they named the church St. James Baptist Church.
God blessed them to purchase an acre of land from Mr. Bush Baker on the bank of Ouachita River under tree.
In 1918, a faithful and devoted shepard by the name of Rev. J. M. White became pastor. There was other preachers such as Rev. Floyd Rush and many deacons and mothers crowned. The deacons were Bro Jim Banks, Bro. Loch Bledso, Bro. Jim Cooper, Bro. Louis Tolliver, Bro Charles Lewis and Bro. Mose Moy.
During this time, St. James also served as a school.
In 1933 the church was moved. In 1949, God sent Rev. H.T. James form Eudora, Arkansas to be Pastor. Under his leadership the church purchased the present location. Rev. James served for 31 years.
In 1981 Rev. Robert L. King became Pastor and served until 1983.
In 1983, Rev. David Brown became Pastor. Two young deacons were added; Bro. Andrew Birdon and Bro. Johnny Ray Turner. Improvements were made to the church. Oct 19, 1997 the corner stone was laid. During Rev. Brown leadership, Sis. Alma Mitchell received her calling to preach God's word. Later Rev. Brown crowned Bro. Bobby Mitchell, Bro, Herod Collins, Bro. Henry Buckner and Bro. William Freeman as Deacons. In 2010, after serving for 26 years, Rev. Brown was called home to glory.
In 2011, Rev. Richard Wilson III was installed as Pastor. The church is continuing to grow under his leadership. St. James Baptist Church are on the move. Some of the things they are involved in are: Back to School Prayer Breakfast give away, 5th Sunday Community Fellowship, 2nd Sunday Youth Sunday, Annual Mother & Daughter Tea, Prayer Breakfast, Children's Literacy Program and the construction of or BRAND NEW FELLOWSHIP HALL.
God blessed them to purchase an acre of land from Mr. Bush Baker on the bank of Ouachita River under tree.
In 1918, a faithful and devoted shepard by the name of Rev. J. M. White became pastor. There was other preachers such as Rev. Floyd Rush and many deacons and mothers crowned. The deacons were Bro Jim Banks, Bro. Loch Bledso, Bro. Jim Cooper, Bro. Louis Tolliver, Bro Charles Lewis and Bro. Mose Moy.
During this time, St. James also served as a school.
In 1933 the church was moved. In 1949, God sent Rev. H.T. James form Eudora, Arkansas to be Pastor. Under his leadership the church purchased the present location. Rev. James served for 31 years.
In 1981 Rev. Robert L. King became Pastor and served until 1983.
In 1983, Rev. David Brown became Pastor. Two young deacons were added; Bro. Andrew Birdon and Bro. Johnny Ray Turner. Improvements were made to the church. Oct 19, 1997 the corner stone was laid. During Rev. Brown leadership, Sis. Alma Mitchell received her calling to preach God's word. Later Rev. Brown crowned Bro. Bobby Mitchell, Bro, Herod Collins, Bro. Henry Buckner and Bro. William Freeman as Deacons. In 2010, after serving for 26 years, Rev. Brown was called home to glory.
In 2011, Rev. Richard Wilson III was installed as Pastor. The church is continuing to grow under his leadership. St. James Baptist Church are on the move. Some of the things they are involved in are: Back to School Prayer Breakfast give away, 5th Sunday Community Fellowship, 2nd Sunday Youth Sunday, Annual Mother & Daughter Tea, Prayer Breakfast, Children's Literacy Program and the construction of or BRAND NEW FELLOWSHIP HALL.
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Richard Wilson III is a native of Monroe, LA. Prior to serving at St. James Baptist Church he was a member of Community Bible Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, LA under the leadership of Pastor Lee. T. Wesley. There he served as a Sunday School teacher an Usher and a Deacon. He also was a member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church of Richwood, LA and Faith Harvest Baptist Church of Monroe, LA under the leadership of Pastor James Earl Jackson. There he served as an associated minister.
Pastor Wilson is a graduate of Richwood High School and Southern University A & M College of Baton Rouge, LA. He is now employed for the Monroe City School System where he serves as a Counselor for M. L. K. Jr. High School.
Pastor Wilson is the son of the late Richard and Margret Wilson. He is married to Meltida Wilson and they have three children, Rachanda W. Smith, Courtney W. Calhoun and Jhimere Wilson.
Pastor Wilson is a graduate of Richwood High School and Southern University A & M College of Baton Rouge, LA. He is now employed for the Monroe City School System where he serves as a Counselor for M. L. K. Jr. High School.
Pastor Wilson is the son of the late Richard and Margret Wilson. He is married to Meltida Wilson and they have three children, Rachanda W. Smith, Courtney W. Calhoun and Jhimere Wilson.
Church Ministers
Minister Alma Mitchell
Minister Eric Smith
Minister Eric Smith
Casting our nets winning souls for Christ!