"FORMAL OPENING OF PLAIN DEALING BAPTIST CHURCH"

The January 10, 1957 issue of the Bossier Banner-Progress announced the opening of Plain Dealing Baptist Church.

“On Sunday, January 20, 1957, the membership of the Plain Dealing Baptist Church will conduct services commemorating the formal opening of a new building.”

“The completion of this building makes this church have one of the finest and most complete church plants of any church of its size in the Southern Baptist Convention. It was planned by the Department of Church Architecture of the Southern Baptist Convention and Mr. J. Cheshire Peyton of Shreveport. It has been designed as the ideal for the teaching program of the Baptist Church.”

“The building, containing 20,245 square feet of usable floor space, features the most modern of design, construction and equipment. One of the many unique features of the building is the ease with which an entire area can be converted into separate rooms or small auditoriums for small meetings.”

“The spire and tower, rising 97 feet, is designed for the installation of a carillon chime system I the near future.”

“The old building has been completely re-decorated, bringing the value of the church plant to well over $200,000.00.”

“The public is invited to attend the services of January 20 at 11 a.m. and to inspect the building at an open house from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on the afternoon of this day.”

“The pastor, Rev. W.L. Blackwell, and the entire membership extend a most cordial invitation to everyone to attend these services.”

To see photos and learn about the histories of the old churches of Bossier Parish, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.”

Plain Dealing Baptist Church Groundbreaking Ceremony. (Left to right) Dell Southerland, D.W. McCance, Howard L. King, Fred Heifner, Rev. W.L. Blackwell, Henderson Winham, E.D. Barnett, Johnnie B. Walker, Curt Winn, Cliff Lowe (back center). Clarice Dodson Barnett Collection: 2000.032.009A.

Plain Dealing Baptist Church Groundbreaking Ceremony with Rev. W.L. Blackwell holding artist rendering of new building. Clarice Dodson Barnett Collection: 2000.032.009B.

By: Ann Middleton