Baton Rouge Church Marks 100 Years of Faith

BATON ROUGE, LA. – On Sabbath, April 5, the Baton Rouge Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of faith, service and transformative community impact. The milestone event honored the church’s storied past while casting a vision for its next chapter.

The church’s roots trace back to 1890, when early canvassers laid the groundwork in Baton Rouge. A year later, tent meetings led by Benjamin Franklin Purdham and Fountain Thomas Purdham ignited local interest. By 1916, R. W. Clevenger had established a Sabbath School in her home, planting the seeds for the official organization of the church on May 2, 1925, under the leadership of W. R. Elliott. Those 19 members set in motion a faith journey that would grow to hundreds.

Over the decades, the church flourished under leaders like Ira C. Pound (1926–1933). It also experienced several relocations—moving from Jefferson Avenue to Government Street in 1944, then to Winbourne Avenue in 1965, before settling at its current Jones Creek Road location. The sanctuary there was dedicated on Jan. 12, 2002, becoming a beacon for worship and outreach.

The church’s current pastor, Virgo Belizaire, welcomed attendees to the centennial worship service with words that invited reflection on God’s faithfulness. The church was honored by the presence of several former pastors, including Charles Fergusson, Don Fortner, Reggie Phillips and Mike Martinez. While some former pastors could not attend and others have passed away, their contributions were remembered with gratitude throughout the service.

During the program, the church received two significant honors: a certificate of celebration from the office of Mayor-President Sid J. Edwards, recognizing a century of ministry to Baton Rouge, and a commemorative plaque presented by Arkansas-Louisiana Conference leaders, Jeff Villegas, president; Ross Harris, executive secretary; and Rodney Dyke, treasurer.

Special recognition was given to Lessie Rice, who at 102 years old stands as a living testament to the church’s enduring faith journey. Her presence at the centennial celebration was especially meaningful, as she has witnessed and contributed to much of the congregation’s history.

The sermon was delivered by Robert Wagley, who is now the pastor of the Gulf Coast Seventh-day Adventist Church. Wagley was baptized into the Baton Rouge church in 1977 after embracing Adventism through Evangelist Dan Collins’ ministry. Wagley spoke on faith and the church’s spiritual journey. 

After the service, attendees enjoyed a festive fellowship meal featuring traditional Greek cuisine, a fitting nod to the church’s multicultural community. Then the celebration continued with a lively “Old Generation vs. New Generation” concert, during which former pastors shared heartfelt testimonies of God’s providence.

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By Virgo Belizaire

Pastor

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