LEONARD GRAY

PHOTO 1: Bethlehem Baptist Church recently celebrated its new church home, but its roots run deep in the Hahnville area, dating back to the 1860s. (Staff Photo by Leonard Gray) HAHNVILLE – An old church with a bright, new future, Bethlehem Baptist Church is enjoying the full benefits of a new building. However, roots run deep through this 136-year-old church. Located on River Road in historic Flaggville, a stone’s throw downriver from the parish courthouse, Bethlehem Baptist Church is served by the Rev. Rodney L. Johnson Sr. The church held dedicatory services Aug. 5-12 of this year, celebrating the rebirth of a church whose membership once had dwindled to six and now has 230 members. Bethelem Baptist Church was organized in 1865 by the Revs. Tom Peterson and Charles Thornton, both of New Orleans, serving the area until the first full-time pastor, the Rev. Alfred D. Willis, was ordained and the first church building built in 1869. In Feb. 1872, Flaggville was laid out, including the church site, and named for Othelle Flagg, a district judge and supporter of the Prohibition Party. PHOTO 2: The Rev. Rodney L. Johnson Sr., at top in the rear, is delighted at the boom in congregation growth at Bethelehem Baptist Church in Hahnville. The church laid its first cornerstone in 1869 and is still serving the area today. (Staff Photo by Leonard Gray) In later years, the area was absorbed into Hahnville. Willis served until 1880, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Westley Gross, who served until 1917, and by the Rev. Arthur Jones, who served until 1927, who had the church remodeled in 1919. The next era was a remarkable one, under the pastorate of the Rev. Sidney H. Davis, establishing the church under a firm hand and pushing through a new church construction in 1979. His years of service were from 1927 to 1984, and his influence and leadership continues to be felt. One of those parishioners who remembers Rev. Davis well is Geraldine Marshall, who was baptised into the church in 1960. “It’s been an awesome experience,” she recalled. “Each church has been spirit-filled. I remember the old piano, the hand-clapping and foot-stomping.” Marshall, a niece of Rev. Davis, also remembers going to the Mississippi River for baptisms. On the day of hers, she was the second one to use the newly-constructed baptismal pool. Three years after Marshall, Geraldine Keys joined the church. “We’ve come a long, long way, thanks to God,” Keys said. And another church mother, Melinda Washington, recalls, “We just had a hallelujah time. I just see great things ahead for us.” In 1983, Rev. Davis became ill and during this time, Rev. Johnson was appointed to assist in the ministry. “To be honest, I wanted to go to my original church.” Rev. Johnson, a native of Killona, is the son of Hazel Dallon and the late Eddie Johnson Sr. His early days attending Children of Israel Baptist Church made a profound impact on the young man, and he began preaching at age 12. He graduated from Hahnville High School in 1976 and studied for the ministry under the Rev. John B. Davis Sr. of Children of Israel, as well as completed studies at the Union Baptist Theological Seminary of New Orleans. Finally, he was appointed on Sept. 15, 1984 by the St. Charles Missionary Baptist Association, bringing his wife, Michelle, and three children, Rodney Jr., Jasmine and Kaynna. An avid reader, he also enjoys singing and fine art. He also published a book, “The Scars of Christ,” on the significance of Christ’s wounds at the Crucifixion. However, it is his preaching skills which have made a significant impact. A prison ministry began 12 years ago, under the supervision of Ivy Williams, and more outreach programs are held at the nursing home in Luling. “I enjoy encouraging and motivating people,” she said, and added her message is “all hope is not gone when times are hard for them.” Barbara Colly, a member since the early 1970s, commented: “Our pastor, how can you describe him? He’s just so wise. He has an aura about him.” In his tenure, Rev. Johnson made one of his most lasting impacts with the new church construction. A $280,000 project, eight months in construction, the new facility has room to spare, with portraits of past ministers, a mural behind the choir and a model of the original church built and donated by Kermit Dufour. While the church was built, the congregation shared with True Vine Baptist Church on Courthouse Lane. Bethlehem Baptist Church has Sunday services at 11:30 a.m., with Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. and a Bible study class on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. “The Lord has blessed us tremendously,” Rev. Johnson said, and added of its history, “You really can’t enjoy a building without appreciating its foundation.”