History of Homer Presbyterian Church

Written in 2000 for The Ford Museum Exhibit

 

When settlers from east of the Mississippi flooded into Claiborne Parish in the mid-1800's, they bought with them an abiding faith in a sovereign Being and their religious heritage - while some historians referred to Claiborne Parish as "the wilds of Louisiana" to these early settlers it was a Promised Land.

Soon churches began to spring-up.  At first, most met in homes; services were sporadic and conducted by itinerant preachers.  Among the earliest evangelist was the Rev. J. Franklin Ford, who became known as the Father of Red River Presbytery.

Shortly after Homer became the parish seat of Claiborne Parish in 1848, Rev. Ford was invited to organize a church in Homer.  On November 4, 1851, six persons meet with Ford in the Homer Baptist Church.  "After divine service", the Presbyterian Church of Homer was organized. 

For the first 20 years, the life of the church was static.  She had no pastor or church building to call her own.  Her members were consumed with earning a livelihood and establishing a homeplace in "wilds of Louisiana".  When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the church experienced turmoil and despair - yet she was faithful to her calling and mission. 

Much of her survival goes to the credit of the Rev. John T. Davidson, a Presbyterian minister who moved to Claiborne Parish from Georgia in 1852.  While supporting his family by teaching and farming, he served as an evangelist not only for the Homer church but churches in surrounding parishes.  It was not until 1871 that Davidson became the first full time pastor of the Homer church, which met alternately in the Methodist and Baptist churches.

The year following Davidson's installation, the congregation initiated plans to build a church.  Lots 9-10-11-12, one block to the north and west of the courthouse square, were purchased for $400.  Shortly thereafter, a white frame church with green shutters, a belfry, and steeple was erected amidst massive oak trees.  Tradition tells the church bell had been salvaged from a steamboat, which had been sunk in the Mississippi River during the Civil War when the Union forces occupied Vicksburg.  Today, the bell is on display in the H. S. Ford Museum.

After Davidson's death in 1881, the church had no resident minister until 1909.  During this 28-year period, supply preachers again conducted services at least monthly. 

The Rev William A. Rolle became the second resident minister in 1909.  During his tenure, a manse was built next door to the church.  For over 70 years, this residence served as the home for 14 pastors and their families.  Over the years, additions and many renovations were made.  When additional space was needed to enlarge the church facility in 1986, the manse was sold and moved to a lot across from the National Guard Armory in Homer where it remains today. 

After the resignation of Rev. Rolle in 1913, the next resident minister was the Rev. J. C. McQueen.  He and Mrs. McQueen had been missionaries to Africa and returned to the states after Mrs. McQueen was seriously injured when charged by a herd of elephants.  McQueen served the Homer church until 1916.  Following his departure, the church was again without a resident pastor for the next three years --- yet services continued on a regular basis. 

In 1919, at the height of the Homer oil boom, the Rev. S. P. Collins accepted a call to become the church's fourth full time pastor.  During his pastorate, a tabernacle was built on the south lawn for revivals and a mission church was organized in the Homer Oilfield.  In later years, this out post church become a Baptist church and the genesis of the present Calvary Baptist Church. 

Following Collins's resignation, the Rev. Arthur C. Evans accepted the call of  the congregation in 1924.  During his pastorate, the original white-frame church was demolished to make room for a larger, more modern facility.   After visiting a church in Italy, Texas, the building committee selected a two-story structure of modified Spanish architecture, which featured a red- tile roof, gray-stuccoded walls embellished with flint pebbles.  The sanctuary was on the upper floor while Sunday School rooms, an assembly room, and kitchen occupied the ground floor.   The church building was completed in 1926.

Just as the Great Depression of the 1930's engulfed the nation, the Rev. Charles G. McClure accepted a call from the church in 1931.  During his tenure, the debt on the stucco church was paid.  The church was dedicated on October 20, 1935. 

Rev. McClure's tenure ushered in a new beginning for the Homer church.  From that time forward, the church has had a full time pastor.  The following have led the church as she ministered to her congregation and reached out to the community. 

 

Howard H. Gordon Sr. D.Lloyd O'Neal C.Rodney Sunday Leonard H. Sweeney Jack K. Bennett Ralph Weeden John R. Bradshaw Walter C. Easton Howard H.(Flash) Gordon, Jr. John D. McClelland

1938-1943 1942-1947 1948-1950 1951-1957 1958-1964 1965-1967 1967-1972 1973-1986 1987-1993 1993-

 

Under the leadership of these above named ministers, the church has moved forward in many ways.

The Presbyterian Village of Homer and the Evergreen Presbyterian Vocational School (now Evergreen Ministries) had their beginnings rooted in the interest and support of the Homer church.

For many years, the Haynesville Presbyterian Church was dormant until the Homer church provided leadership, which prompted its becoming a vital church in its community. 

In 1983, the first woman was elected by the congregation to serve on the Session, the church's governing body.  Today, there are 14 women elders along with 23 men elders who serve on a 3-year rotating basis.

Expansion dominated the second half of the 20th century.  Due to an increased membership, an education building was added to the backside of the stucco church building.  This five-room classroom facility was completed in 1959.  Again, five more classrooms and kitchen were added in 1962. 

On February 2, 1981, the congregation and community witnessed the beginning of the demolition of the stucco church.  A Gothic-style building was selected to replace the 55-year old structure.  The new one-story building featured a sanctuary which seats 150, faceted stained glass windows and a foyer that connects the sanctuary to the education building. 

The first service held in church was on Palm Sunday, April 1, 1982.  Formal dedication services were held on May 2, 1982 during the pastorate of the Rev. Walter C. Easton. 

A Fellowship Hall with modern kitchen facilities was added to the north end of the education building in 1985.  Later, a courtyard and parking lot completed the church's current facilities.

Since 1851, the church's history is embedded in the hopes and visions, disappointments and frustrations of countless men and women, both clergy and laity.  As she stands on the threshold of the 21st century, we believe in her future as we honor and respect her past.