History

In the year of 1874, in the city of Hope, Arkansas, a small band of baptized believers, under the leadership of Rev. Caesar Duffie, organized Lonoke Baptist Church. To put our existence into a historical context, Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church was founded only 11 years after slavery was abolished. Prior to that time, African Americans could not freely assemble and openly worship. Additionally, Lonoke is practically as old as the City of Hope itself. Lonoke was organized only 22 years after Hope was first settled and approximately a year before Hope’s incorporation.The church’s first location was Ninth and Laurel Streets. In 1887, the congregation moved to 700 S. Hazel Street. The old cornerstone carries the date of 1890. This suggests that the building was in existence when the congregation moved in, but was dedicated three years later. With the installation of the City of Hope’s 911 system, Lonoke’s official address became 702 S. Hazel.

Lonoke originally joined the Ozan District Association, but later became a member of the Southwest District Missionary Baptist Association. The church has always held a high banner in being Missionary, regularly sending representatives to the District, State and National Conventions, representing the church in the same.

Lonoke began to see the need for a new edifice in 1960 at the close of the ministry of Rev. J.E. Colby. However, it was not until the leadership of Rev. Walter White, who served from 1964 to 1971, that the present edifice was built. The work began in July of 1968 and services were held for the first time on December 8, 1968. Dedication services occurred over a five (5) day period, March 17-23, 1969.

Approximately 23 ministers have served Lonoke during its 135 year history. Very little is known about the early ministries, however the church’s continued existence suggest that they made a lasting contribution, whether scholarly or evangelical, to the church and the community during times of economic hardship like the Depression of the 1930’s, World War I & II and the Korean War.

1. Reverend L. Bennie Beard, Jr. from 1971-1977.

2. From 1978-1982, Reverend T.J. Roberson served as pastor.

3. Reverend John H. Harris served as pastor from August 1982-May 1987.

4. Rev. Roberson return in October 1987-November 1992

5. Reverend Alvin Hunter was installed in February of 1993.

The Roster of Pastors includes Reverends: Caesar Duffie, A.L. Kern, J.L. Crosley, R.L. Williams, P.R. Neal, John Reeves, W.C. Howell, J.B. Scott, L.E. Cannon, Z.R. Reeves, A.H. Carey, N.F. Wesson, W.H. Hillard, J.W. Williams, J.F. Hawkins, F.K. Powell, J.E. Coby, A.L. Scott, Walter White, L.B. Beard Jr., T.J. Roberson, J.H. Harris, T. J. Roberson (Returned) and presently A.L. Hunter (Twenty three pastors).