By David E. Crosby, Pastor of First Baptist Church New Orleans NEW ORLEANS -- The interstate was jammed with commuters at drive time. I started thinking about my friend, almost 100 years old, and wondering what words of wisdom I would glean as I visited her in the hospital. I determined that I would listen carefully and, if necessary, prompt her with questions. I saw her super-gripper socks when I glanced in the door, and finally her face as I walked past the curtain. Her hair was matted from a night on the pillow, something she would never countenance when healthy. Every hair was in place every time I saw Myrtle Louise Ainsworth—usually even when she was sick. “Hello, Myrtle Louise,” I said. I was the only person in her life who called her by both names, and she often responded by calling me both of mine --David Eldon. “I was wondering where you were,” she remarked dryly. I took a seat at the foot of the bed. “I just had the best breakfast of my life,” she said enthusiastically, “soupy grits, scrambled eggs, toast and jelly.” My ears perked up. Many people are not so grateful for hospital food. “My doctor is so sweet,” she said, and I wondered if all his patients felt the same. I guessed that her statement indicated more … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer COVINGTON – The new worship center under construction at First Baptist Church Covington is a project 15 years in the making. Once complete, the southeast Louisiana congregation believes the new facility will provide a space to reach their growing community for generations to come. Scheduled for completion in mid-2018, the worship center will seat up to 2,400 people. That’s a far cry from the capacity of 1,250 in its current facility. When the church moved from its location in downtown Covington in 2001, Pastor Waylon Bailey said much of the area was mostly undeveloped. As they began exploring possible locations for a move, a leader in St. Tammany Parish advised the church against moving to the present location, saying he believed the growth was headed in another direction. But, church leaders continued to be drawn to the 43-acre site where the church stands today. Fifteen years later, the church is surrounded by restaurants, storefronts, schools and homes. Bailey said when he thinks about the 2001 move from the previous 2 ¼ acres of land with 50 parking spaces to the present spacious campus which  has 1,000 parking spaces – with an additional 500 to be added – he is thankful they … [Read more...]

ON THE MOVE Ron Nation is new as pastor at Unity Baptist Church, Deville. Chuck Evans is new as pastor at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Dry Prong. Elliot, wife Suzi, Kahn new as staff director at Acadian Baptist Center, Eunice. Stephen Richardson retires from Colfax Baptist Church, Colfax. In addition to Colfax and several other churches, he has served in the ministry for 46 years. Caleb Willis is the new minister of music at Fairview Baptist Church, Coushatta. IN REMEMBERANCE Perry Webb, Jr., 91, of Natchitoches, passed away May 14. Services were held May 21 at First Baptist Church, Natchitoches. A private graveside service, under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, will be held prior to the memorial service. Webb served as a Baptist minister for 74 years. He began his pastoral ministry as a seminary student, serving a country church in East Central Illinois. Webb went on to pastor First Baptist Church, Poteet, Texas (1949-1952); First Baptist Church, Natchitoches (1952-1964); First Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia (1964-1975); and First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge (1975-1988). He served on the Louisiana Baptist Executive Board as secretary, vice chairman and president. He was President of the Louisiana Baptist … [Read more...]