The First Baptist Church of Paradis is celebrating 155 years in operation this year and Pastor Lionel Mason and the First Baptist Church of Paradis will celebrate the anniversary Sunday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Pastor John Dillon of The Body of Christ Fellowship Church of Metairie will speak.
Church officials say the history of First Baptist Church of Paradis tells the story of faithful, spiritual men and women who are characterized by their acts of love devotions and strength as well as sweeping progress over the years.
The church was first organized in 1859, when slavery was still a legal and accepted practice, by a Christian group headed by Deacon Hulbert Colbert. The first building was located at 28 Switch in Paradis. The first pastor was Rev. Richard Foster of Algiers.
A committee comprised of brothers Isaiah Williams, James Lee, Henry Hopkins and the members purchased the land of the present site at 14571 Old Spanish Trail.
The longest tenured pastor was Rev. Henry Hills who pastored the church from 1934 to 1981 during which time the church prospered and grew. After his passing Rev. Albert M. Charles became pastor on April 23, 1982 and served for 27 years. The church has continued to grow under the present leadership of Rev. Lionel Mason Sr. who became pastor on Dec. 27, 2009.
The church burned down twice in it its history. The first time was on Dec. 27, 1910 and the second time was on Nov. 1, 1930. The people, with strong faith and determination, rebuilt each time as is shown by today’s structure.
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