A Central Louisiana church that started in a cannonball-scarred plantation home in 1901 recently celebrated its 100th birthday by giving a party for six times as many people as it presently averages in attendance. A Central Louisiana church that started in a cannonball-scarred plantation home in 1901 recently celebrated its 100th birthday by giving a party for six times as many people as it presently averages in attendance.   Macedonia Baptist Church in Effie, worked for more than a year to have a celebration worthy of "the great blessings God has bestowed on our fellowship," Pastor Blaine A. Stafford explained.   Former members and others with ties to the church’s membership overflowed the auditorium for the homecoming service. The day’s activities included a cochon de lait, for which six pigs were roasted. The pork was served with roasted turkey and a potluck meal. The congregation that averages 64 in attendance fed 440 people - "and the ladies served them all in 40 minutes," reported Bill Clark, a layperson who worked on the anniversary celebration.   Participants were able to view five classrooms that became galleries of photographs, articles and other artifacts representing the … [Read more...]

As a former faculty member at Louisiana College in the Department of History and Political Science from 1961-1973, I continued to subscribe to the Baptist Message following our move to Mississippi College, my B.A. alma mater. As a former faculty member at Louisiana College in the Department of History and Political Science from 1961-1973, I continued to subscribe to the Baptist Message following our move to Mississippi College, my B.A. alma mater.   Your full page feature on Wayland College’s decision to integrate fifty years ago revived special memories for me. In 1951, the year of the college’s integration, my wife, Carnette, and I began a decade of service there. My first African-American student was one from Shreveport. However, the largest number were from Nigeria. They had deep facial tribal slashes, with such names as Ojo, Bankole, Bamijoko and Akanda. Samuel Akande recently retired as the executive secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. All of these were outstanding academic performers who enriched my classes notably.   As recorded in the news release, Dr. Bill Marshall was an effective promoter for the college worldwide. Thanks for an informative presentation about a … [Read more...]

P>Once again, Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden has urged Muslim faithful to arms against the United States, calling for a jihad "over the forces of infidels and tyranny." Once again, Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden has urged Muslim faithful to arms against the United States, calling for a jihad "over the forces of infidels and tyranny."   Such battle cries have echoed across the Middle East and beyond in recent decades. In the name of Islam, extremist groups have waged war against the governments of Algeria and Egypt, against Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and against Russian control of Chechnya.   Indeed, 22 years ago, militants in Iran propelled Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini to the head of a theocratic state.   Strictly defined, jihad comes from the Arabic term for struggle or striving. But today, many Americans define jihad - however incorrectly - by the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.   And while condemned by the majority of mainstream Muslims believers, jihad by the sword still has gained a rhetorical edge - and a large degree of sympathy - within the tumultuous currents of the Middle East political world.   Tellingly, the Grand … [Read more...]

For the week of October 25, 2001 Potpourri • ALEXANDRIA - Calvary church: "Connections--Plugging Into Life’s Essential Relationships" presented by Central La. Association; Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Dennis Swanberg, keynote speaker; Welby and Jeanine Bozeman, David Brooks, Kevin Boles and Stephen Trammell to speak; early registration before Nov. 1 is $15; afterwards, tickets are $20; tickets available at area Christian bookstores; for information, call the associational office at (318) 445-5772 or contact the church office at (318) 445-5640; David Brooks, pastor.   • BATON ROUGE - First church: "For Such a Time As This..." women’s conference; Nov. 2; registration, 5:30 p.m.; conference, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 3; breakfast, 8 a.m.; conference, 8:45 a.m.; Marilyn Osbourn and Liz Luter, speakers; cost is $30; limited childcare available with telephone registration only; for information, contact Faye Scott or Brenda O’Neal at (225) 343-0397; Burn Page, pastor.   • BATON ROUGE - First church: "Experiencing God--The Musical"; Nov. 2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 4, 6 p.m.; Doran Bugg, minister of music; Burn Page, pastor.   • LAKE CHARLES - Boulevard church: "Anger Management" seminar; Nov. 7, 6 p.m.; Bill … [Read more...]