Leflore Baptist Church takes pride in 53-year-old heritage

Submitted by Leflore Baptist Church

The first church services for Leflore Baptist Church were held in an old school building which was converted into an auditorium with only one door and a large bell outside.  The church building sight was later donated by Mr. B.F. Dulwebber.  On December 8,1923, the community assembled for the purpose of organizing a Baptist church at Leflore, Mississippi.  Kratzercured Lumber Co. had a saw mill near the church and some of these workers were charter members of the church.  In 1924, the church had its first member to join.

In the early 1930's the old church building was heavily damaged by flood waters and very shortly afterward the church moved to Avalon and had regular church services in an old box car for approximately 18 months before returning to its original site.

By the late 1940's, the church had planned for repairs to the old church building and surroundings, a playground project was started and the first church budget was established.

The early church had a hard time but in 1959, plans were made to build a new church building.  On Sunday, May 1, 1960, dedication services for the new church building were held.  New improvements have been made to the church in years past, including an addition to the front in 1971.  A fellowship hall addition began in August 1977 and was completed in November 1978.  Other additions include: new church pews bought and dedicated in February 1980, a new church bus bought in September 1981, kitchen cabinets for the fellowship hall were built in November 1981, a PA system was bought and installed in January 1983, a baptistry and submerging heater were purchased and installed in March 1983, and in 1986 ground improvements began with railings installed to the church front for the elderly and handicapped.  During the latter part of 1986, Brotherhood and RA's organizations were formed and January 29, 1987 the Women's Missionary Union was organized with Mission Friends, Girls Auxiliary and Acteens began in May of 1987.

Presently, our pastor is Rev. Lanny Haley who has been with us since March of 1985.  Our future plans through the guidance of our Lord, are to build a new sanctuary to accommodate 200 as the present sanctuary accommodates only 120 and convert part of our present building into Sunday School rooms.

Leflore Baptist Church is located approximately twenty miles west of Grenada at Leflore.

After this article was published back in 1987, this church continues to improve and grow in the Love for Jesus.  Today the church has many improvements including this website.