About Monroe Street Baptist Church
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Monroe Street Baptist Church History
In 1935, under the leadership of Dr. Sam Rushing, Superior Avenue Baptist Church purchased 150 feet of land in the center of the 1400 block of Monroe Street. Soon after the organization asked for and was granted permission to build a building on this property. Later Superior Avenue Baptist Church gave a deed to this property for $50.00. No church or mission board contributed to Monroe Street Baptist Church, although later Superior Avenue Baptist Church donated the title to five lots.
In April 1939, New Hope Baptist Church had its beginning. It consisted only of a Sunday School organized in a rented building at 1411 Madison Street. Carl Mitchell was elected Sunday School Director. At this time, the enrollment was 15 adults and Press Reed was the teacher; 19 intermediates with Mildred Mixonas the teacher; 26 Juniors with Alma Harrel as the teacher; 29 beginners with Flora Martin as the teacher; and 3 general officers. There was a total of 92 members who attended Sunday School.
On September 3, 1939, the Sunday School met to organize a Southern Baptist Church. Brother Preston Mixon was elected Pastor. Delos Williams and Gilbert Martin were elected Deacons. I.J. Camp was the church treasurer and Delos Williams was the church clerk. Four days after being organized, the church became part of the Washington Parish Baptist Association.
Property was purchased on Madison Street on November 28, 1941. Five lots were purchased on Monroe Street on April 20, 1948 and two more lots were purchased on October 9, 1954.
On November 17, 1956, the name was changed from New Hope Baptist Church to Monroe Street Baptist Church. Groundbreaking Services were held on May 30, 1957.
On June 24, 1957, the first brick, was laid on the new Education Building. On May 6, 1958, the Education Building was put in use. Most of the work on the building was done by church members. The last note was paid on December 16, 1959. On March 27, 1960, a special service was held for burning the notes, making the church debt free, with a special message by Dr. Lamar Serwell, Associate Executive Secretary of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. At this time, the church instructed the building committee to begin plans for the construction of the new sanctuary.
The final building of the present church complex was begun on January 1, 1962. MSBC entered the sanctuary on September 30, 1962.
The church recently purchased the vacated Terrace Elementary School building and property, and is currently renovating the property further use in the Lord's Ministry!
