HISTORY OF THE
TRUE VINE
MISSIONARY
BAPTIST CHURCH
Thanks to the Maker and Creator of the universe, True Vine had its very humble beginning in the old Peabody School frame building. Here they had very fervent prayers meetings asking God’s help and guidance. Their leader was Dr. C.L. Roberts of Cheneyville, Louisiana. Finally, their prayers were heard and these dedicated Christians were ready for organization. They contacted Dr. Roberts for guidance in their efforts of organizing. He consented and organized True Vine in August, the year 1900.
The church was moved to Duck Alley. Here they constructed a small frame building for services. Dr. Roberts was unable to remain their leader because of the hardships of commuting in those days. He advised these few Christians to seek another leader who could give them more time.
We are not sure how many years Dr. Roberts served. Records show that Rev. Solomon Washington of Alexandria, Louisiana served as pastor and also Rev. Cephus Hayes from Hansville, Louisiana.
In 1910, Rev. John S. Smith agreed to pastor approximately 20 members. He thought he could be a good pastor because he earned his livelihood in public work. During his administration, the Sunday School, Women’s Home Mission Society, Junior Mission, Y.W.A., Girl’s Auxiliary, Sunshine Band, B.Y.P.U. and Royal Ambassadors were organized. He added to the church building and purchased a second lot next to Carr Street. Membership increased from 20 to 854. Rev. Smith passed away March 15, 1940.
August 12, 1940, Rev. J.H. Hayes was elected pastor. Under this administration, a balcony was built, a fan was installed and a library was added. The church continued to progress. It was decided the church needed a better location. After an intensive search by the committee, they selected the Broadway site. A building fund was started. Three lots were purchased for a total of $3,300. The building was completed in 1954. An educational building was constructed and air conditioner was installed. There were 791 members. On October 26, 1960, the Lord called Rev. Hayes to rest.
January 18, 1961, True Vine selected Rev. Howard L. Williams as pastor. Among the things done during this administration was the annexation of the two buildings, renovation and installation of an office for the Sunday School
superintendent and the church secretary.
Also added were a store room, choir room, lounge and more classrooms. Paneling replaced all sheet rock walls, tile on all floors and four telephones were installed. Kindergarten and nursery were put into operation, an additional 40 feet was
added to Hayes Dining Hall, with furnishings. One lot was purchased at the rear of the Educational Building, and a Credit
Union was set up for the benefit of members. Renovation included two restrooms, water fountain at the entrance, new
ceiling, new lights, carpet, pews, choir chairs, and a heating and cooling system.
The following auxiliaries were organized: Truevineer Choir, Young Adult Choir and Matrons. On Saturday, October 15, 1977 our hearts were saddened by the passing of our beloved pastor and leader. He represented us at a national, state and local meetings. He left a membership of 972.
On April 10, 1978, Rev. Frank B. Whorton was elected pastor. The sidewalks were renovated, a memorial was erected in memory of Rev. H.L. Williams, a new organ was purchased, a larger air conditioner was installed and the bus fund initiated.
Rev. Solomon Shorter Sr., was elected on Wednesday, March 16, 1982. He was installed on May 14, 1982 by the United Educational Missionary Baptist Association. Being a dynamic leader, he has made it possible for us to do great and wonderful things in the name of the Lord Jesus. We have reached out to help that precious infant trapped in a well - Baby Jessica: to include helping heart transplant patients. We feed the hungry, we support local charities, associations and conventions. We also provide financial assistance to the needy, honor the elderly, care for the sick and shut-in, administer an after school tutorial program, this has opened doors as a full-time school for expelled students from the public school system and distribute 5,000 pounds of food monthly to the elderly and needy.
In 1994 we received a grant from the Department of Education, State of Louisiana in the amount of $125,000. We started a “Student Referral Center” for students in Rapides Parish who were suspended or expelled from school. We operated our Referral Center from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Monday through Friday which included providing lunch for faculty and students. The teachers in the Referral Center were Mrs. Florice Hall, Florence Nash, Irma Newton, Sandra Green, Teresa Christophe and Hattie G. Shorter. Support staff of the Referral Center were Sisters Willora Hawkins, Dorothy Clark, Lillian Cotton, Evelyn Williams and Charlotte Marshall as clerk typist.
In 1999 we were graciously blessed to become the recipients of 100 computers and monitors for the membership of our
church. Brother Earl Davis was instrumental in submitting our name for such a gift. In 2005 we were instrumental in
purchasing three additional pieces of property next to our church building. The Payton property (two lots) were bought at a cost of $37,000, and a house, three bedroom brick veneer from the Jones family at a cost of $50,000. This structure was demolished for the purpose of having adequate parking for our new church facility.
In addition to all these ministries, he stays focused on the great mission of the church. “Winning Souls by Witnessing for
the Lord Jesus”. He has also accomplished: a Bus Ministry, Scholarship Fund established, wired music in the church and
a new P.A. system installed. He has deep concern for the unfortunate and seeks to fund their needs. Additionally, in 2003 we purchased a house at 2600 8th Street for $80,000 as an activity center for use by each auxiliary in the church for their individual meetings as well as other church-related activities.
In 2005 we graciously opened doors of our church building and activity center to the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We received thousands of pounds of clothing, goods and materials from loving churches on the east coast to include money to help the victims as well. Our computer bank was very instrumental in helping our hurricane guests go online to apply for and receive FEMA funds and Red Cross assistance. Many of our guests stayed over a month.
We were instrumental in helping our members get out of debt by our “Debt Reduction Selection” Program, which consists of returning to selected members, each worship service, twice as much as they have given to the Lord; and still give them credit for the amount given. The purpose of these returned double amount funds are to pay on a bill or pay off a debt. In addition to our Debt Reduction Program we were able to save one half million dollars in our building fund. Our last worship service was held in the old red brick building at the 11:00 AM hour on the fourth Sunday in February 2007.
On the first Sunday in March 2007, we held our first worship in the auditorium at Peabody Magnet High School at the 8:00 AM worship and 11:00 AM worship hours. We were required to purchase a million dollar liability insurance policy to pay the Rapides Parish School Board $2,000 per monthly rental fee, plus wages and retirement pay for three school support personnel.
On the fifth Sunday in March 2009 at the 11:00 AM hour we held our final worship in the band room at the Peabody Magnet High School.
After which, we paraded from the high school to our new church facility at 831 Broadway Avenue and had our Grand Entrance and Ribbon Cutting with the aid of the Chamber of Commerce. Subsequent to moving into our new building we purchased three additional pieces of property-two houses right behind our church building at a cost of $14,000 in 2010, and the property next to it for a cost of $20,000 in 2011. These properties were also purchased for off street parking. The third piece of property on the corner of 10th Street and Broadway was purchased in 2011 at a cost of $6,000. This property was also purchased to help expand our parking for the church.
We held our first worship service at 8:00 AM Resurrection Morning 2009 in our new church building. Our present facility
consists of 19,500 square feet of sanctuary, offices, classrooms/conference rooms, kitchen, dining facility and an incomplete gymnasium/banquet hall.
Our gymnasium is completed and is in full use by various groups/individuals in the True Vine family. Our Health & Wellness Ministry seniors in the church and our children make full use of the gym.
We allow other churches to use our church facilities for funerals, weddings and other activities. We agreed that our new facility is to be viewed as an instrument not an ornament. Our Food Pantry, under the leadership of Sister Beverly Baker, continues to dispense thousands of pounds of food monthly to senior citizens, as well as to registered families. We continue to baptize new converts who have been added to the family of God, and provide financial assistance to the destitute and needy.
In 2019 our Pastor Dr. Solomon Shorter Sr. was unable to continue serving the church due to his health and Rev. Wilfred Gallien Jr., became Interim Pastor. Rev Gallien during his Interim period led the church through the peak of COVID 19 pandemic. Under his leadership the church didn’t just survive, it thrived virtually. In July 2022 Dr. Shorter made his transition to be with the Lord after 38 years of faithful service to True Vine as the Senior Pastor. On August 20, 2023 Pastor Wilfred Gallien Jr. was installed as Pastor of True Vine. Since Pastor Gallien was installed, he has established a new Board of Trustees that includes members of the congregation; he has added new Deacons and new Deaconess. The church bylaws have been revised and approved by the church members. Pastor Gallien and the True Vine church family made church history to welcome Rev. Loraine Holmes as the first female to decree God’s word from the pulpit.
True Vine was awarded a $10,000 grant to renovate our Food Pantry, the building was able to make several needed improvements inside and out, a new covered waiting area was installed and old freezers were replaced. Pastor Gallien has initiated a Faith Promise Campaign, which allows our members to give monetarily to the church in addition to their tithes and offerings, which will further assist in paying off our mortgage.
Under Pastor Gallien’s leadership, there has been two new ministries. The Welcome Committee and Outreach Ministry. The Welcome Committee is there to greet, welcome and assist all visitors and members coming for worship service. Our Outreach Ministry connects the church with the community. Which has initiated a scheduled “Open Gym” program to allow our community to utilize the gym after hours to help reach and protect our youth. Today, our mission is to Love, Serve and Teach. True Vine, we will accomplish our mission by building upon the foundation of those before us and using innovation ways to minister in this generation. It is our Vision to be “Alexandria’s Community Church.“
The church was moved to Duck Alley. Here they constructed a small frame building for services. Dr. Roberts was unable to remain their leader because of the hardships of commuting in those days. He advised these few Christians to seek another leader who could give them more time.
We are not sure how many years Dr. Roberts served. Records show that Rev. Solomon Washington of Alexandria, Louisiana served as pastor and also Rev. Cephus Hayes from Hansville, Louisiana.
In 1910, Rev. John S. Smith agreed to pastor approximately 20 members. He thought he could be a good pastor because he earned his livelihood in public work. During his administration, the Sunday School, Women’s Home Mission Society, Junior Mission, Y.W.A., Girl’s Auxiliary, Sunshine Band, B.Y.P.U. and Royal Ambassadors were organized. He added to the church building and purchased a second lot next to Carr Street. Membership increased from 20 to 854. Rev. Smith passed away March 15, 1940.
August 12, 1940, Rev. J.H. Hayes was elected pastor. Under this administration, a balcony was built, a fan was installed and a library was added. The church continued to progress. It was decided the church needed a better location. After an intensive search by the committee, they selected the Broadway site. A building fund was started. Three lots were purchased for a total of $3,300. The building was completed in 1954. An educational building was constructed and air conditioner was installed. There were 791 members. On October 26, 1960, the Lord called Rev. Hayes to rest.
January 18, 1961, True Vine selected Rev. Howard L. Williams as pastor. Among the things done during this administration was the annexation of the two buildings, renovation and installation of an office for the Sunday School
superintendent and the church secretary.
Also added were a store room, choir room, lounge and more classrooms. Paneling replaced all sheet rock walls, tile on all floors and four telephones were installed. Kindergarten and nursery were put into operation, an additional 40 feet was
added to Hayes Dining Hall, with furnishings. One lot was purchased at the rear of the Educational Building, and a Credit
Union was set up for the benefit of members. Renovation included two restrooms, water fountain at the entrance, new
ceiling, new lights, carpet, pews, choir chairs, and a heating and cooling system.
The following auxiliaries were organized: Truevineer Choir, Young Adult Choir and Matrons. On Saturday, October 15, 1977 our hearts were saddened by the passing of our beloved pastor and leader. He represented us at a national, state and local meetings. He left a membership of 972.
On April 10, 1978, Rev. Frank B. Whorton was elected pastor. The sidewalks were renovated, a memorial was erected in memory of Rev. H.L. Williams, a new organ was purchased, a larger air conditioner was installed and the bus fund initiated.
Rev. Solomon Shorter Sr., was elected on Wednesday, March 16, 1982. He was installed on May 14, 1982 by the United Educational Missionary Baptist Association. Being a dynamic leader, he has made it possible for us to do great and wonderful things in the name of the Lord Jesus. We have reached out to help that precious infant trapped in a well - Baby Jessica: to include helping heart transplant patients. We feed the hungry, we support local charities, associations and conventions. We also provide financial assistance to the needy, honor the elderly, care for the sick and shut-in, administer an after school tutorial program, this has opened doors as a full-time school for expelled students from the public school system and distribute 5,000 pounds of food monthly to the elderly and needy.
In 1994 we received a grant from the Department of Education, State of Louisiana in the amount of $125,000. We started a “Student Referral Center” for students in Rapides Parish who were suspended or expelled from school. We operated our Referral Center from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Monday through Friday which included providing lunch for faculty and students. The teachers in the Referral Center were Mrs. Florice Hall, Florence Nash, Irma Newton, Sandra Green, Teresa Christophe and Hattie G. Shorter. Support staff of the Referral Center were Sisters Willora Hawkins, Dorothy Clark, Lillian Cotton, Evelyn Williams and Charlotte Marshall as clerk typist.
In 1999 we were graciously blessed to become the recipients of 100 computers and monitors for the membership of our
church. Brother Earl Davis was instrumental in submitting our name for such a gift. In 2005 we were instrumental in
purchasing three additional pieces of property next to our church building. The Payton property (two lots) were bought at a cost of $37,000, and a house, three bedroom brick veneer from the Jones family at a cost of $50,000. This structure was demolished for the purpose of having adequate parking for our new church facility.
In addition to all these ministries, he stays focused on the great mission of the church. “Winning Souls by Witnessing for
the Lord Jesus”. He has also accomplished: a Bus Ministry, Scholarship Fund established, wired music in the church and
a new P.A. system installed. He has deep concern for the unfortunate and seeks to fund their needs. Additionally, in 2003 we purchased a house at 2600 8th Street for $80,000 as an activity center for use by each auxiliary in the church for their individual meetings as well as other church-related activities.
In 2005 we graciously opened doors of our church building and activity center to the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We received thousands of pounds of clothing, goods and materials from loving churches on the east coast to include money to help the victims as well. Our computer bank was very instrumental in helping our hurricane guests go online to apply for and receive FEMA funds and Red Cross assistance. Many of our guests stayed over a month.
We were instrumental in helping our members get out of debt by our “Debt Reduction Selection” Program, which consists of returning to selected members, each worship service, twice as much as they have given to the Lord; and still give them credit for the amount given. The purpose of these returned double amount funds are to pay on a bill or pay off a debt. In addition to our Debt Reduction Program we were able to save one half million dollars in our building fund. Our last worship service was held in the old red brick building at the 11:00 AM hour on the fourth Sunday in February 2007.
On the first Sunday in March 2007, we held our first worship in the auditorium at Peabody Magnet High School at the 8:00 AM worship and 11:00 AM worship hours. We were required to purchase a million dollar liability insurance policy to pay the Rapides Parish School Board $2,000 per monthly rental fee, plus wages and retirement pay for three school support personnel.
On the fifth Sunday in March 2009 at the 11:00 AM hour we held our final worship in the band room at the Peabody Magnet High School.
After which, we paraded from the high school to our new church facility at 831 Broadway Avenue and had our Grand Entrance and Ribbon Cutting with the aid of the Chamber of Commerce. Subsequent to moving into our new building we purchased three additional pieces of property-two houses right behind our church building at a cost of $14,000 in 2010, and the property next to it for a cost of $20,000 in 2011. These properties were also purchased for off street parking. The third piece of property on the corner of 10th Street and Broadway was purchased in 2011 at a cost of $6,000. This property was also purchased to help expand our parking for the church.
We held our first worship service at 8:00 AM Resurrection Morning 2009 in our new church building. Our present facility
consists of 19,500 square feet of sanctuary, offices, classrooms/conference rooms, kitchen, dining facility and an incomplete gymnasium/banquet hall.
Our gymnasium is completed and is in full use by various groups/individuals in the True Vine family. Our Health & Wellness Ministry seniors in the church and our children make full use of the gym.
We allow other churches to use our church facilities for funerals, weddings and other activities. We agreed that our new facility is to be viewed as an instrument not an ornament. Our Food Pantry, under the leadership of Sister Beverly Baker, continues to dispense thousands of pounds of food monthly to senior citizens, as well as to registered families. We continue to baptize new converts who have been added to the family of God, and provide financial assistance to the destitute and needy.
In 2019 our Pastor Dr. Solomon Shorter Sr. was unable to continue serving the church due to his health and Rev. Wilfred Gallien Jr., became Interim Pastor. Rev Gallien during his Interim period led the church through the peak of COVID 19 pandemic. Under his leadership the church didn’t just survive, it thrived virtually. In July 2022 Dr. Shorter made his transition to be with the Lord after 38 years of faithful service to True Vine as the Senior Pastor. On August 20, 2023 Pastor Wilfred Gallien Jr. was installed as Pastor of True Vine. Since Pastor Gallien was installed, he has established a new Board of Trustees that includes members of the congregation; he has added new Deacons and new Deaconess. The church bylaws have been revised and approved by the church members. Pastor Gallien and the True Vine church family made church history to welcome Rev. Loraine Holmes as the first female to decree God’s word from the pulpit.
True Vine was awarded a $10,000 grant to renovate our Food Pantry, the building was able to make several needed improvements inside and out, a new covered waiting area was installed and old freezers were replaced. Pastor Gallien has initiated a Faith Promise Campaign, which allows our members to give monetarily to the church in addition to their tithes and offerings, which will further assist in paying off our mortgage.
Under Pastor Gallien’s leadership, there has been two new ministries. The Welcome Committee and Outreach Ministry. The Welcome Committee is there to greet, welcome and assist all visitors and members coming for worship service. Our Outreach Ministry connects the church with the community. Which has initiated a scheduled “Open Gym” program to allow our community to utilize the gym after hours to help reach and protect our youth. Today, our mission is to Love, Serve and Teach. True Vine, we will accomplish our mission by building upon the foundation of those before us and using innovation ways to minister in this generation. It is our Vision to be “Alexandria’s Community Church.“