History
A Capsule of Lonoke’s 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.
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.
The leadership of Reverend L. Bennie Beard, Jr. from 1971-1977, saw the building of the parsonage and the purchase of a piano, an organ and a 50-passenger bus. His wife, Irene Beard, was an extremely faithful and motivational worker with the young women of the church.
From 1978-1982, Reverend T. J. Roberson served as pastor. Under his leadership, a gospel chorus was organized and robed. His wife, Janice Roberson, was a faithful director of the children’s choir.
Reverend John H. Harris served as pastor from August 1982-May 1987. A first aid station and nursery were initiated; significant purchases included a public address system, Klipsch speakers, stain glass windows, a deluxe copier and pew bibles. In addition, the pastor’s study was redecorated. With God’s blessing, a new choir was developed; and three deacons and two ministers were ordained.
Reverend T. J. Roberson return from October 1987-November 1992 saw the formation of a youth bible class, extensions to the pulpit, and the purchase of an adjacent lot for a future education building and parking lot. Rev. Roberson also conducted a live radio broadcast every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. to further spread the gospel.
Reverend Alvin Hunter was installed in February of 1993. From the beginning of his leadership, Reverend Hunter has envisioned total corporate unity. To that end, Lonoke was incorporated on April 6, 1998. The videography of church services, a church website and portable communion for the sick and shut-in has assisted in making his ministry available to all.
Four ministers, Reverend French Stroughter, Reverend Russell Neal, Reverend Frederick Johnson, Sr. and Rev. Henry McKinney were ordained. Five deacons, Brother Harold Collins, Brother Dossie Phillips, Brother Billy Willis, Brother Robert Vaughn, and Brother Michael Bradley were ordained for service. Brother Odell Gulley, Brother Willie Henry, and Brother Willie Brandon have been added as Trustees. Additional ministries now include Praise dancers (Men), puppet ministry, and an active Recreation Department.
