History has been defined as a “chronological” record of significant events, as affecting a nation or institution, usually including an explanation of their causes or as a “branch” of knowledge that records and explains past events.

 

Let us turn back the hands of time 157 years ago to a weary and worn group of people, who had only a dim light that they could see afar off. No doubt that God shed the bright light on this group of people and gave them strength and courage to move onward, and their faith in God surely paid off. Therefore, we pause to salute the pioneers for their efforts.

 

It was the year 1864, when black people of our land received their freedom. These poor people were filled with mixed emotions. Although weary, oppressed, penniless and sick at heart, for many years, they strived for a higher cause.

 

Rev. Luke Billups, Sr. settled in West Baton Rouge Parish in 1865. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Reverend Billups possessed the ability to perform many skills such as a carpenter, blacksmith, barrel, weapons and coffin maker. He was later married to Eliza and to this union, two sons and four daughters were born. Reverend Billups, a former slave, was a man of strength and courage.

 

God blessed him with wealth and with his wealth he purchased one mile of land beginning at the Mississippi River and extending westward. This village took of his name and thus was the beginning of Lukeville. Because of his race and pride, Reverend Billups, permitted only “Blacks” to buy of this tract of land.  

 

Reverend Billups, Sr. had a greater calling that was a command to preach, which he obeyed willingly, even though there was no building available. He donated a piece of his land for the first church building of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and served as carpenter for the first church building. 

 

There wasn’t much fashion, but there was devotion. There wasn’t light, but the Bible and the word of God, gave light for the way. There was very little warmth except for one stove, but they had the warmth of God’s love and the love they had for each other.

 

Reverend Luke Billups, Sr. experienced a rich and successful pastor ship from 1865 to 1894.  At the end of Reverend Luke Billups, Sr. pastorate of twenty-nine (29) years, his son, Reverend Luke Billups, Jr. became Antioch’s second pastor.  During his fifty (50) years of leadership, Antioch continued its progress. Reverend Luke Billups, Jr. also served as sheriff of West Baton Rouge until he resigned to become pastor of Antioch.

 

After the first church building was blown down during a storm, it was rebuilt and remodeled server times under Reverend Billups leadership. Through all of those years of success mingled with obstacles, as life deals with everyone and everything at one time or another, David recorded in Psalms 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivered him out of them all.”

 

We have marched on, and we have looked to God for deliverance and guidance. God has never failed us yet, and He has sent us spiritual leadership.  We have truly been blessed, for 157 years, we have had only eleven (11) pastors, and some of them left only as result of God calling them home.  The Eleven (11) pastors included:

     Reverend Luke Billups, Sr.        29 Years

     Reverend Luke Billups, Jr.        50 Years
     Reverend Robert A. Clark           2 Years

     Reverend John H. Thompson   A Few Months

     Reverend Samuel A. Singleton   1 Year

     Reverend Robert C. Smith        23 Years

     Reverend Robert Douglas

 Thomas                                            17 Years

     Reverend Ricky Carter                 5 Years

     Reverend James A. Terrence     7 Years

     Reverend Michael A. Otkins     10 Years

     Reverend Elvin Lacey             2015 to Present

Each pastor contributed to Antioch in one way or another to enhance its growth and development. Here are some of the contributions that lead to the accomplishments made by each pastor.

 

Rev. Robert C. Smith was responsible for the erection of the third new building to which the doors were opened in June 1957. Rev. Smith was called to rest on February I, 1971.

 

Antioch continued to move forward under the leadership of our 7th pastor, Rev. Robert Douglas Thomas. Rev. Thomas proved himself, not only as a great preacher as was demonstrated in his revival in 1972, where many sinners in their fifties, sixties, seventies, and eighties accepted Christ and was baptized. He tried hard to get his congregation to follow the teachings of the Bible. He stressed stewardship as it taught in the Bible; and demonstrated it in his own live. He was every Sunday and through the week leader and pastor. He gave more than the tithes throughout the 17 years he was here with us. He said, “People are not won to Christ by mere words, but by words which are backed with a life to illustrate their truth.” He led us in building and furnishing our Education Building, which houses a church library, classrooms for all departments, choir robe room, kitchen with a large commercial stove and all modern equipment, a lavishly furnished conference room, a large fellowship hall and a dining area, restroom facilities, church office, pastor’s office and all rooms completed with air-conditioning and heating. Our church has had delegates to attend the National Sunday School and BTU Congress Conferences.

 

Antioch paid quarterly in the unified budget of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist Association, U.S.A Incorporated. And lastly, Rev. Thomas led us in extending our property line by purchasing a tract of land facing Antioch Baptist Church, measuring two hundred thirty and two tenths (230.2) feet by one hundred seventy (170) feet. God called this shepherd, Rev. R. D. Thomas from this earthly life to eternal rest on November 9, 1988.

After the passing of our beloved pastor, Rev. R. D. Thomas, we were again in need of a builder, a leader, and an earthly source of inspiration, so God sent us Rev. Ricky Carter. Rev. Ricky Carter was elected on Tuesday, March 7, 1989, as the eighth pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. Under his leadership, our last church note was retired. Our new church annex was dedicated to the memory of Rev. Robert Douglas Thomas and our in-house church recording ministry was established so we could share religious services with the sick and shut-in members.

 

After the resignation of Rev. Ricky Carter, Rev. James A. Terrance served as interim pastor from September 1994 until January 14, 1995.   On January 15, 1995, Rev. Terrance was elected as our ninth pastor. Rev. Terrance was a spiritual teacher and preacher of the gospel, emphasizing Sunday School, Bible Study, and preaching God fearing sermons on Sunday mornings to direct and help us in our Christian stewardship. He re-initiated the youth department, girl scouts, and after school tutorial programs, and appointed Deacon Atley Walker, Sr. to contact Mr. Timmons to purchase the thirteen (13) acres of land adjacent to the church, whose note was retired under his leadership. Rev. Terrance resigned as pastor of the Antioch family in March 2002.

 

Again, Antioch was in need of a shepherd. From October 2002, Antioch remained together and carried out the work of our Heavenly Father. On October 26, 2003, Rev. Michael A. Otkins, Sr., became the tenth pastor of the Antioch family. During Rev. Otkins pastorage, he continued preaching and teaching the word of God.

 

Under his leadership, a cemetery fence was installed, the outside of the church was painted, and a donation given by Attorney Tony Clayton was made in memory of his late father, to have a room built to house our taping and video ministry materials and equipment. Rev. Otkins served until January 15, 2014.

 

From January 14, 2014, Rev. Lawrence Philson offered his services to assist the family of Antioch in whatever capacity his services were needed. Rev. Philson served faithfully until his health began to fail. After Rev. Philson’s failed, Rev. Lionel Anderson picked up the torch and served in whatever capacity he was needed, while a search committee was formed to search for a new pastor. During this process, Deacon Keith Washington, Sr. and the deacons of the church, presented to the congregation a plan to purchase anew pews, pulpit furniture, carpet and choir chairs, asking members to pledge eight hundred dollars ($800.00) to assist in making a cash purchase. Members and businesses responded, and the purchase was made and paid in full.  

 

On January 15, 2015, Rev. Elvin Lacey was elected as the eleventh, and present Pastor of the Antioch family.  Since Rev. Elvin Lacey was elected, he has proven to be a leader not of mere words, but actions to support his words. He has been available for his members; teaching, preaching, visiting the sick and praying with them and their families and counseling the bereaved. Rev. Lacey has demonstrated his desire to become acquainted with ALL his members. Under his leadership, he has provided his phone number to the congregation and asked for members to merely give him a call and he will be there to help them out.

 

Rev. Lacey has led the way in purchasing a tinted glass window for the sanctuary, new mixer board for the sound room, had television/monitors installed used for visual aids during worship services, upgraded sanctuary ceilings and walls, new metal doors and a new alarm system was installed and activated. Rev. Lacey also lead the mission of obtaining a new organ for Sunday morning praise services. Leading the fundraising mission, members of the congregation joined in and made pledges in order to get the organ in place. All ministries were also provided with monogramed shirts. The Deacon and Deaconess Ministries proudly dress in beautiful ties, handkerchiefs, and scarves each first Sunday which have been provided by Rev. Lacey.

 

Rev. Lacey is an avid believer in Bible Study and Intercessory Prayer. Bible Study was being held on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate those members who may be working during the day. Just recently, due to building issues, Bible Study is being held on Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m., Each Sunday, names are called out for intercessory prayer, whether it a member of Antioch or a family or friend.  Each person is remembered in prayer.  His most recent endeavor was the purchase of a new roof for the church. Again, he has stepped out and lead the congregation in funding this project along with pledges from members of the congregation and monetary donations made by those who did not pledge but wished to be a part of the restoration of our dear Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

 

As he always states, “I BELIEVE IN GOD’S WORD, AND AS A CHURCH YOU ARE TO HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE.” It is amazing to think that 157 years ago a preacher and a small group of people gathered together and planted this church. A church that has had a great impact on their families and the community.  Though we may not know the struggles it took to get this church off the ground, we do now know the struggles it is taking to try to hold it together.

 

On March 15, 2020, our doors were _shut due to Covid 19. Antioch remained closed until June 6, 2021.  We were out of our church for 18 months.  “A Pandemic” had closed the doors, however, it did not stop the work of our Ministry. Our Pastor, Rev. Elvin Lacey, along with some members, worked diligently for our services to be continued. Through their efforts and by means of social media, we began using Go to Meeting, the Group Me app and Face book. Then, the members of Antioch and other family and friends were afforded the opportunity to join into worship and Bible Study by way of either their computer or their telephones. Our worship services were held each Sunday with Pastor Lacey in the pulpit, and every Tuesday Pastor Lacey conducted Bible Study via the social media platforms.  Each Sunday morning before worship services, Sis. Cynthia Thomas-Noel lead Sunday School and on Wednesdays, at noon, Sis. Bessie Young and the Intercessory Ministry lead Intercessory prayer. Each first Sunday, we were provided with our Lord’s Supper either by Pastor Lacey personally or picked up from Sis. Marnita Williams on the Saturday before the Lord’s Supper.

 

Many of our members were affected by Covid 19 and we did lose some members. Today, we would like to pay homage to those members. We will continue to keep their families lifted in prayer. Their memories will forever linger in our hearts for days and years to come.

 

Due to weather conditions and Hurricane Ida, in September 2021, again we had to close our doors due to internal damages. However, it didn’t last long, we were afforded the opportunity to reenter the building and use the auditorium which had not been affected. Church services, Sunday School and any necessary meeting that needed to be held, could once again be held within the building.

 

If we look in the Old Testaments, there was a time when the temple was being rebuilt and in Zechariah 4:10 and it states – Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tunes when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place. A new roof has been placed on our Church and in due time all restoration will take place and the last stone will be placed here at Antioch and we WILL return to services within our beautiful effaces.

 

The Antioch family should be extremely proud and eternally grateful for such a glorious heritage. Through the years, we have persevered and are still moving forward strongly. Men and women of outstanding accomplishments have come and gone through the portals of this wonderful institution. Some are still here and loyally giving their all and all. Our blessings have been numerous over these past 157 years. Antioch is still a beacon with its rays beaming near and far. It is still a saving station and an uplifting source and we will surely press on in faith, love, prayer and most of all we want to be a part of a church filled with UNITY.

 

As we close the books on our church history, let us be proud and thankful for our heritage. Let us remain humble enough to be of service, so that the Master may be able to pint with pride to use as those who have kept the faith and those who have stayed in the fight for right and righteousness and who, one by one will answer to the higher call from a righteous Father.

 

Let us say for Antioch, the building and to Antioch, the body, in the words of Helen Rice, “Father, I am well aware, I cannot make it on my own, so take my hand and hold it tight, for I cannot work alone.”