By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, has a series of scheduled events to coincide with a 150th anniversary that will give members a chance to remember their storied past as well as look to a hopeful future.
“First Baptist Church Baton Rouge has stood as a beacon of faith, hope and love for a century and a half,” FBCBR Music Minister Christian Vige told the Baptist Message. “This milestone is not just a marker of time, but a celebration of countless lives transformed, hearts touched and communities served. It’s a time to reflect on the rich history of the church, honoring those who laid the foundation of faith and those who have continued to build upon it.
“The sesquicentennial anniversary provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the church’s journey and renew our commitment to the mission and vision that God has placed before us for the future,” he added. “As we look back on the past 150 years, we are reminded of the countless ways God has worked through our church to spread His love and message.”
EVENTS
The church will kick off its anniversary with “Stars, Stripes and Sounds: A Patriotic Musical Celebration” July 4 at 7 p.m. The event will honor the country’s heritage, faith and freedom through music and dancers from the Baton Rouge Ballet Theater. Afterward, those in attendance will be able to head to the Mississippi River front near the church for a city-wide fireworks display.
The following month, FBCBR will host its second Gathered Voices concert. Scheduled for Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m., the evening will feature a diverse and interactive worship experience blending liturgical and Gospel choral music with a background of singers and orchestra players.
And on Sep. 29, the church will wrap up its festivities with a sesquicentennial 150th anniversary celebration at 10 a.m. The special service will feature remarks from Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn, music led by a mass choir comprised of past and present choir members, full orchestra, organist and responsive readings.
REFLECTIONS
Long-time member Monica Eskine was part of the church when it commemorated 100 years of ministry and is looking forward to another grand celebration this year.
“Here we are now 50 years later, and it’s a big privilege to be able to serve and to show that First Baptist Church is still a viable part of the city,” she said. “We can still be a shining light for God to show Himself.
“A lot of contemporaries of mine were also married in the church and the people have such longtime loyalty to First Baptist,” she continued. “Our new pastor is going to be a young influence on our church. I think that First Baptist is going to need to be flexible and show that we still have what God wants for the city and that we can grow and show that Baton Rouge is still going to be able to be a witness for God.”
Bob Reeves, another long-time member, said he is looking forward to how God will use FBCBR in its 150th year and beyond.
“Many of the members have been here a long time and they are dedicated to seeing the church be a beacon to the community both in downtown and other parts of the city,” he said. “So, I’m confident we’re in God’s will and are excited about what’s going to happen.”
FBCBR was founded in 1874 after 18 members met in a rented hall off what is known today as Fourth Street in Baton Rouge. Since then, the church has been led by 22 pastors, started 29 mission churches, relocated to its current location, completed several building additions on the property, helped construct the Baptist Student Center at Louisiana State University and, most importantly, has seen thousands of people come into a relationship with Christ.
The church, on June 16, will welcome its 23rd pastor, Andrew Ogea. He is the son of the church’s interim pastor, Reggie Ogea.
Vige said the church’s anniversary service will serve as a memorial to God’s unwavering providence, favor and guidance and compared it to when Joshua set up 12 stones as a memorial to God for leading the Israelites out of the Jordan River, as told in Joshua 4:21-24.
“Just as the Israelites set up stones to remember God’s faithfulness, our church’s 150th anniversary will serve as a memorial to God’s unwavering providence, favor, and guidance,” he said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also will look ahead with anticipation and faith. The future of First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, is filled with potential for growth, outreach, and even deeper community impact. God’s work is not done, and we are privileged to be part of the unfolding story He is writing in our church and community.”
