The History of Little Bethel Baptist Church of Amite, Louisiana

Little Bethel Baptist Church

Little Bethel Baptist Church begin with a few dedicated Christian followers in a small log cabin one mile West of its present site, some of the pioneer members were Sister Rosa Butler, Sister Frances Johnson, Sister Betsy Carpenter and, others, Rev. Guy Beck and Rev. Newton Johnson were the leaders.

In 1881 Rev. Riley Vernon officially organized this group into what was called the Little Bethel Baptist Church. He was the first official Pastor with the above named persons as charter members. He served faithfully for several years. During his administration he purchased the site where the church now stands for the amount f$10.00 and gave it to the church. The second pastor was Rev. C. Wright, he served faithfully for several years.

Rev. James R. Vernon became the fifth pastor and served faithfully for twenty-one years.

Rev. James R. Vernon

During his administration the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and under his leadership the church made great progress spiritually and numerically. He purchased the site for the Activity Building under his administration. Some of the active members during his pastorate were Sister Rosa Butler, Sister Lucy Morris, Sister Lydia J. Richardson, Bro. Willie Watkins, Sister Katie Land, Bro. Frank James and George Pinkney were the Deacons.

Rev. James R. Vernon was released to accept a church in Bogalusa and Rev. Willie Porter was called to pastor. He served faithfully for six years, and passed on in death. After the death of Rev. Porter, Rev James R. Vernon was elected as pastor elected. The church has made great progress in all phases of service. The pulpit had been his "throne" and through a sustained program of dynamic preaching the members have been inspired to go forward. The church has grown spiritually, financially, and numerically. The membership have grown from one hundred to three hundred at present. 

The Character of Rev. James Robert Vernon

Rev. James Robert Vernon

On the evening of July 27, 1957 the angel of silence came into the home of Reverend James Robert Vernon and with chilly fingers sealed his lips, the loving husband of Pearley Briggs Vernon. His soul winged its flight from this world of sins, sorrow and pain, to a place of eternal rest.

There are some lives that disappoint us, some impressions of character which we have to revise in later years,  but the impression that was formed of Reverend James Robert Vernon when you first met him remained unchanged to the end of his life.

He became a Christian when he was quite a young man, and joined the Mount Canaan Baptist Church, and was baptized by his father, Robert Vernon and spent more than sixty-one years in the Master's service. He gave freely of his time, his counsel, and his money, and was always willing to do anything that he felt would help for good, in anyway.

Reverend James R. Vernon was not selfish, hence he felt that he needed someone to go by his side and enjoy whatever he might accumulate in life, so he married Pearley Gertrude Briggs. To this union eight children were born. To his family he was loving and faithful, and strove to make them comfortable and happy. He taught his children to be God loving and God fearing and that to be a Christians was one of the greatest things in life and to know his children.

Please join Glyniss Vernon Gordon on "Nurturing Our Roots Television Talk Show" as she talk about the history of her paternal family. Glyniss is the only daughter and child of Dr. Willard Vernon.

Source: The Obituary of Rev. James Robert Vernon

Please visit the Tangipahoa African-American Newspaper

http://tangipahoaafrican-americannews.com

Dr. Willard Vernon A Man With A Vision in Amite, Louisiana

Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon

Dr. Willard Vernon was born on August 5, 1918 in Roseland, Louisiana to the late Rev. and Mrs. James Robert Vernon and Pearlie G. Briggs Vernon. He was one of eight children, three girls and five boys.

“Bill”, as he was called then was educated in the elementary and high schools of Tangipahoa Parish. He received his B.S. Degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has done further study toward a Masters Degree in the same area of education at L.S. U. and U.S.L.

Rev. Vernon was also recognized as one of Southern University finest tennis players, which he also brought back with him and taught in the school system, where he was known for his great athletic abilities.

While serving in the United States Army, “Bill” was known for his beautiful tenor voice he used to sing and perform in the military Glee Club. Also while serving in the military and most important of all,  he was called by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world. Dr. Vernon was the Pastor of three great churches, Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, La., New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Clifton, La and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Mt. Hermon, LA.

With all three projects and programs and still found time to serve his community.  He served a as teacher in the public school systems for 24 years, President of the Parish Teacher’s Assoc. a Coach, FFA Leader, Chairman of the Christian Minister’s Relationship, Founder of the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Franklinton, Louisiana.

Source: The Obituary of the late Dr. Willard Vernon.