How it all started...
In the summer of 1938, First Baptist Church of Bossier City (Rev. W. L Stagg, Jr., Pastor) built an open-air tabernacle to host evangelistic services in Barksdale Annex. In 1939, the work took hold and the beginnings of a church began to take shape. By 1940, the tabernacle was enclosed and became a mission church sponsored by FBC Bossier City.
In March 1940, First Baptist Church Bossier City granted letters to 72 members who became the charter members of the new Barksdale Baptist Church, with Bro. Fred Baxter as its first pastor. Throughout the 1940s, new members continued to join and building of the church facilities continued. In ten years, the church membership increased by six to eight times the number of charter members.
In March 1940, First Baptist Church Bossier City granted letters to 72 members who became the charter members of the new Barksdale Baptist Church, with Bro. Fred Baxter as its first pastor. Throughout the 1940s, new members continued to join and building of the church facilities continued. In ten years, the church membership increased by six to eight times the number of charter members.
Expanding the vision...
In the 1950s and 1960s, the church continued to grow, persons surrendered to Gospel ministry, and the church sponsored North Bossier Mission, which became Northside Baptist Church (now known as Airline Baptist Church). Sunday School growth and ministry growth continued.
In the 1970s, the seed for the current church location was planted. Barksdale began a ministry in south Bossier City under Pastor David Terry’s leadership. Curtis Elementary School was the first meeting place of what became Barksdale Baptist Church South, “one church meeting in two locations.” In 1987, BBC South became BBC’s second daughter church, Riverside Baptist Church.
In the 1970s, the seed for the current church location was planted. Barksdale began a ministry in south Bossier City under Pastor David Terry’s leadership. Curtis Elementary School was the first meeting place of what became Barksdale Baptist Church South, “one church meeting in two locations.” In 1987, BBC South became BBC’s second daughter church, Riverside Baptist Church.
Where we are headed...
Ministry continued in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. The church faithfully sought to share the Gospel in the community, yet the church was in a period of decline. Still, the Lord was not done with Barksdale Baptist Church. The Lord restored the Jimmie Davis Highway property to Barksdale Baptist Church. After seeking the Lord’s will, and reinvesting in the Jimmie Davis Highway property, Barksdale Baptist Church began a new chapter in her storied history. Today, the church strives to live out the Lord’s mission of “Loving God, Loving People, Making Disciples.”
