More than a century ago, a group of faithful believers looked at the small community of Archibald and saw a mission field ready for harvest. They recognized a deep need—a need for a local Baptist church, a place where the gospel could be proclaimed, families could worship, and believers could join together in serving Christ and their neighbors. With conviction and courage, they answered God’s call.

Our Beginnings (1918)

The pioneering effort was led by Rev. O. M. Corley, Rev. H. E. Pettus of Mangham Baptist Church, deacons from Mangham and Providence (Alto) Baptist Churches, and faithful local believers who shared the vision for a gospel-preaching church in Archibald. Through their prayerful leadership, Archibald Baptist Church was formed on July 2, 1918.

Our Charter Members

The founding deacons included:

• J. H. Newberry – Mangham Baptist Church
• W. J. Brown, W. R. Hemler, J. A. Ball, and L. S. Mulhern – Providence Baptist (Alto)

On July 2, 1918, in the heat of a Louisiana summer—without air conditioning, running water, or modern conveniences—men and women walked, rode horses, and arrived in buggies, bringing their children with them. Many had already worked long, hard hours before gathering. But they came because God had stirred their hearts.

Those presenting themselves for organization were already believers and members of established Baptist churches.

A group of devoted families became the church’s charter members — you may click below to view the full list.

The original brethren included:

James Goins
Gerald Lyles
A. J. Lyles
Earl Lyles
Clyde McKay
Thomas McKay
Randal McKay
Thomas Price, Jr.
J. S. Rushing
H. C. Rushing
John Rushing

And the founding sisters:

Mrs. A. J. Lyles
Mrs. John Logan (“Mrs. Sunshine”)
Miss Carrie McKay
Miss Myrtle Price
Lula Mae Roberts
Gussie Rushing
Annie Rushing
Lenora Rushing
Mrs. H. C. Rushing

Six additional charter members were added in the following meeting:
Mrs. Florence Haley
Mr. G. C. Hill
Mrs. G. C. Hill (Mamie)
Mrs. Minnie Lagrone
Mrs. J. S. Rushing
Miss Lou Emma Rushing

These families came from Providence (Alto), Mangham, Friendship, and Oak Ridge Baptist Churches.

Early Growth

Within months, 56 new members joined our fellowship.
In August 1925, a great revival brought 113 new members—64 by baptism and 49 by letter.

A Century of Ministry

Across the decades, Archibald First Baptist Church has continued to be a light in the community. Generations of families across Richland Parish have found a spiritual home here. The church has seen seasons of great strength and seasons of challenge, yet the foundation has never changed: we gather to worship the one true God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ—from our community to the ends of the earth.

And while the physical landscape of our church has changed over the years, the greatest work of God has never been about buildings or programs. The true testimony of Archibald First Baptist Church is found in changed lives—hearts transformed by the gospel, families strengthened, and believers equipped to carry Christ into their homes, workplaces, schools, and community.

Continuing the Legacy

The pioneers of 1918 have long since gone to their reward, but they left a legacy of faithfulness for us to carry forward. As we step into the future, our call remains the same:

To worship God faithfully.
To love our neighbors genuinely.
To proclaim the gospel boldly.
To make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Whether you have been part of this church for generations or are seeking a place to belong, we invite you to join us as we continue the mission God began here more than 100 years ago.

The harvest is still plentiful.
And by God’s grace, we are still laboring in His fields.