Louisiana

Louisiana Notables – Baptist Message

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message.

ON THE MOVE

Andrew Ogea is the new pastor of First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. His father, Reggie Ogea, has been Interim pastor at FBCBR since April 2023.

Kevin, wife Melainie, Ulmer is the new Louisiana Baptists evangelism strategist on the Evangelism/Church Growth Team. He begins on July 1.

Chuck Clinton is the new music minister at First Baptist Church, Greenwood.

Russell, wife Hope, James is the new youth minister for Bonita Road Baptist Church, Bastrop.

Kevin, wife Nichole, Seefried is the new student past at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, West Monroe.

Lane Noakes is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Dry Prong.

Riley Robertson is the new music minister at Victory Baptist Church, Monroe.

Jeff Hoffman, Pastor of FBC Arcadia, is the next Director of Missions at the Bienville & Webster-Claiborne Baptist Association. He replaces Randy Hales who is retiring.

REVIVAL

Topsy Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Spring Revival 2024, July 7-10, Evangelist: Scott McDowell. Worship: The Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Lloyd Carroll.

Mitchell Baptist Church, Converse: Harvest Sunday, July 14. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: None.

Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, Dodson: Spring Revival 2024, July 14-19. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Travis Hampton.

First Baptist Church, Keithville: Harvest Sunday, July 21, Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Mike Stowell.

Palestine Baptist Church, Grant: Spring Revival 2024, July 21-24. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Worship: The Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Hardy Estes,

First Baptist Church, Princeton: Harvest Sunday, July 28. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Darrell Cooper.

Welcome Home Baptist Church, Hebert: Spring Revival 2024, July 28-31. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Jim McKeithen.
Bethel Baptist Church, Livingston: Revival, July 29-August 1. Evangelist: Malcolm Ellis. Pastor: James Courtney

LAGNIAPPE

First Baptist Church, Minden: June Jubilee – A collective worship concert, June 29, 6 p.m. Featuring: First Baptist Minden, First Baptist Pineville & LeCompte, First Baptist Church, Arcadia, City on a Hill Pentecostals, Jake Cowley, Point of Grance (June 29th only) and The Cox Family. Admission is free. Pastor: Leland Crawford.

Alto Baptist Church, Alto: GOD & COUNTRY DAY, June 30, 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Dr. Ralph Abraham. Worship: Brothers in Christ. A barbecue lunch will be served following the service. Pastor: Alan Miller.

First Baptist Church, Pineville: June Jubilee – A collective worship concert, June 30, 6 p.m. Featuring: First Baptist Minden, First Baptist Pineville & LeCompte, First Baptist Church, Arcadia, City on a Hill Pentecostals, Jake Cowley, Point of Grance (June 29th only) and The Cox Family: Admission is free. Pastor: Stewart Holloway.

First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: The music department of First Baptist, Baton Rouge presents Stars, Stripes and Sounds, July 4, 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor our country’s heritage, faith, and freedom through the power of music. Following the concert, head to the riverfront for spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky. Admission is free, and this event promises to be a great experience for the whole family. Come and be a part of this patriotic celebration. Pastor: Andrew Ogea.

Red Oak Baptist Church, Livingston: Chronicles in concert, July 7, 11 a.m. Pastor: Carl Varnado.

Ashland Baptist Church, Ashland: Ivan Parker In Concert, July 7, 6 p.m. A love offering will be taking. Pastor: Danny Slack

Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder: Southern Plainsmen of Hornbeck in concert, July 7. Pastor: Kevin Willis.

Cedar Crest Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: Greg Sullivan Ministries in concert, July 14, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Bruce Worrell.

Fordoche Baptist Church, Fordoche: Greg Sullivan Ministries in concert with The Journeys, July 21, 5 p.m. Pastor: Toby Delahoussaye.

Grangeville Baptist Church, Pine Grove: Chronicles in concert, July 21, 11 a.m. Pastor: Mike Cotton.

Beech Springs Baptist Church, Quitman: Ben Waites in Concert, July 28, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Womack.

Rose Park Baptist Church, Shreveport: Mark Trammell Quartet in concert, August 4, 10 a.m. Pastor: B.J. Maddox.

Grace Baptist Church, Goldonna: Southern Plainsmen of Hornbeck in concert, August 4, 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Myron Thompson.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

First Baptist Church, Mansfield: Breaker Rock Beach VBS 2024, June 16-20, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Sign up at myvbs.org/fbcmansfield. Pastor: Chad Hardbarger.

Atlanta and Sardis Baptist Churches, Atlanta: Vacation Bible School, June 17-19, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: Chad James.

Bayou Oaks Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 20, 9 a.m. til noon. Pastor: Clyde Sanchez

North Monroe Baptist Church, Bastrop: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 20 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Kevin Crim

Ouachita, Baptist Church West Monroe: The Great Jungle Journey VBS, June 17 – 20, 5:30 – 8:15 p.m. Pastor: MikeHolloway

Liberty Christian Church, Colfax: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: None.

Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.. Commencement Sunday, June 23 at 11 a.m. Pastor: Travis Sanders.

Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 21 8:30 – Noon. Pastor: Waymond Warren.

South Winnfield Baptist Church, Winnfield: Scuba VBS, June 17-21, 5-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jack Miller.

Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany: Vacation Bible School, June 17 – 21, 5- 8 p.m. Pastor: Marvin Cooper.

First Baptist Church, Natchitoches: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21, 9 a.m. – noon. This is for all who have completed pre-k 4 through 6th grade. To sign up for VBS go to https://forms.gle/292fQ6nRSrvSA3488. Pastor: Tommy Rush.

Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville: Breaker Rock Beach, June 17-21, 6-8:30 p.m. Online Preregistration is open through Wednesday, June 12. After June 12th, must register in person on campus. Open Registration for Completed Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Kindergarten Note: Maximum of 45 Kindergarteners. Pastor: Philip Robertson.

Judson Baptist Church, Walker: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21. For more information, contact the church. Pastor: David Lane.

Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Lisbon: “Stepping Up” Sports Camp, June 17-21, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: Chris Stephens.

Cook Baptist Church, Ruston: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 from 9 a.m. til noon each day. To sign up or if you have any questions please contact Mrs. Dandy or register at https://cookbaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/…/2290305. Pastor: Joseph Fowler.

Lakeside Baptist Church, Winnfield: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pastor: Mitchell Miles.

Springhill Baptist Church, Jonesville: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 6- 8 p.m. Pastor: Don Cardin.

Liberty Christian Church, Colfax: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21 6:00 – 8:00 Pastor: None.

Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Commencement Sunday, June 23 at 11 a.m. Pastor: Travis Sanders.

First Baptist Church, Winnfield: Vacation Bible School, June 30-July 3, 5-&:30 p.m. Pastor: Jerry Pipes.

Southside Baptist Church, Mansfield: Vacation Bible School, June 18-22, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Gary Orr.

First Baptist Church, Tullos: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 23-27, 5:30 -8:30 P.M. Go to www.tullosfbc.com for more information. Pastor: Scott Smith

Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder: Break Rock Beach VBS, June 23-27, 5-7:30 p.m. To register go www.indianvillagebc.org/2024/vbs-2024.html. Pastor: Kevin Lewis.

Holloway Baptist Church, Deville: The Great Jungle Journey, June 23-27, 5:30-8 p.m. Go online to register. Pastor: Tim Shields.

First Baptist Church, Keithville: Scuba Vacation Bible School 2024, June 23-26, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Mike Stowell.

Woodlawn Baptist Church, Iowa: Start the Party VBS, June 24-27, 6-8:30 p.m. To register go to https://fb.me/e/xyNIdE4uw. Pastor: Richard Louviere.

First Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 5:30-8:15 p.m. To register go to https://www.fbcdryprong.com/vbs. Pastor: Trey Lewis.

Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 8 a.m.-Noon. Pastor: Eric Green.

Olivet Baptist Church, Sulphur: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon. To register go to https://www.olivetbaptistsulphur.com/vbs. Pastor: Kevin Craft.

University Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Seven Days of Creation VBS, June 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. Pastor: John Astling.

First Baptist Church, Hackberry: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: Monty Rowse.

First Baptist Church, Iowa: Proof Pirates Vacation Bible School, June 24-28, 6-7:30 p.m. To register go to https://www.iowafbc.org/vbs, Pastor: Brandon Oliver.

First Baptist Church, Jennings: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, PreK 4 – Kindergarten | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1st – 6th Grade | 8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.
To register go to fbcJennings.com/VBS. Pastor:

Sale Street Baptist Church, Sulphur: Mega Sports Camp – Blaze the Trail, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. To register go to https://www.salestreet.org/megasportscamp. Pastor: Drew Mills.

First Baptist Church, Maplewood: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon Pastor: Jeremy Blocker.

Mt. Olive & Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. This is for ages K-12th grade. Pastor: Braylon Harris (Mt. Olive) and EJ Kemper (Mt. Pilgrim).

First Baptist Church, Mandeville: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 9 a.m.- noon. Pastor: Ronny Cooksey.

University Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Seven Days of Creation VBS, June 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. For kindergarten through the fifth grade: Pastor: John Astling.

First Baptist Church, Hackberry: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. For kindergarten thought sixth grade (completed). Pastor: Monte Rowse

First Baptist Church, Iowa: Proof Pirates, June 24-28, 6-7:30 p.m. For ages kindergarten to 12th grade. Registration: https://www.iowafbc.org/vbs. Pastor: Brandon Oliver.

Faith Baptist Church, Bastrop: The Keepers of the Kingdom VBS, June 23 – 27, 6 – 8:15 p.m. Pastor: Stan Wyant.

Lakeshore Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 23 – 27, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: William Smith.

Bethel Baptist Church, Bastrop: The Great Jungle Journey VBS, June 24 – 28, 9-11:30 a.m. Pastor: Tim Post.

Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24 – 28, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: John Russell.

Northside Baptist Church, Montgomery: Vacation Bible School, June 24-27, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Pastor Scott Tilton.

First Baptist Church, Jennings: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, Pre-K-kindergarten (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.); 1st-6th grade (8:30-11:30 a.m.) Registration: fbcJennings.com/VBS. Pastor: Eric Sonnier.

Ridge Avenue Baptist Church, West Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 26 – 28, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: Jim Wolfe.

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Louisiana

MS Goon Squad victim arrested on drug, gun charges in Louisiana. Bond set

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

MS Goon Squad victim arrested on drug, gun charges in Louisiana. Bond set

Eddie Terrell Parker, a victim in the “Goon Squad” case, was arrested in Louisiana on multiple charges.
Parker was stopped for traffic violations and allegedly found with several narcotics and at least one firearm.
The charges include possession with intent to distribute several drugs and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Parker and another man previously settled a $400 million lawsuit against Rankin County after being tortured by former officers.

Eddie Terrell Parker, one of two men who settled a civil lawsuit against Rankin County and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in the “Goon Squad” case, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 17, and is being held in a northeast Louisiana jail on multiple charges.

Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Ryan Davis confirmed details of the incident to the Clarion Ledger via phone call on Friday, Dec. 19.

Davis said Parker was traveling east on Interstate 20 in Madison Parish, Louisiana, when a trooper observed Parker committing “multiple traffic violations.” Davis said the trooper conducted a traffic stop, identified themselves and explained the reason for the stop.

Parker was allegedly found in possession of multiple narcotics, along with at least one firearm.

Parker was booked around 8 p.m. Wednesday into the Madison Parish Detention Center in Tallulah, Louisiana, on the following charges, as stated by Davis:

Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
Possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Details about the quantity of narcotics found in Parker’s possession were not immediately available.

Davis told the Clarion Ledger that Parker received a $205,250 bond after appearing before a judge.

Parker, along with another man named Michael Jenkins, was tortured and abused on Jan. 24, 2023, at a home in Braxton, at the hands of six former law enforcement officers who called themselves “The Goon Squad.” Parker and Jenkins filed a lawsuit in June 2023 against Rankin County and Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey.

Each of the six former Mississippi law enforcement officers involved in the incident are serving prison time for state and federal charges. Those officers were identified as former Rankin County deputies Brett McAlpin, Hunter Elward, Christian Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke, and former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield.

Court documents show U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III issued an order on April 30 dismissing a $400 million lawsuit brought by Jenkins and Parker, saying that the two men had reached a settlement with the county and Bailey. Jenkins and Parker sought compensatory damages, punitive damages, interest and other costs.

According to court records, the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. However, the order stated that if any party fails to comply with settlement terms, any aggrieved party may reopen the matter for enforcement of the settlement.

Jason Dare, legal counsel for the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, stated the settlement agreement totaled to $2.5 million. According to Dare, the settlement was not an admission of guilt on the county’s or the sheriff’s department’s part.

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

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Louisiana

Port of South Louisiana welcomes new leadership

Published

17 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Port of South Louisiana welcomes new leadership

Julia Fisher-Cormier. (Courtesy)

The Port of South Louisiana on Thursday announced that Julia Fisher-Cormier has been selected as its new executive director.

The announcement follows a national search and a unanimous vote of a…

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Louisiana

AG Liz Murrill’s office can hire husband’s law firm to defend death sentences, court rules

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

AG Liz Murrill’s office can hire husband’s law firm to defend death sentences, court rules

Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office can employ the Baton Rouge law firm where her husband is a partner to help the agency defend death sentences, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

The decision in the case of condemned inmate Darrell Draughn of Caddo Parish clears the way for Murrill’s office to employ the Taylor Porter firm in other capital post-conviction cases as well.

Murrill has stepped into a host of post-conviction cases involving death row prisoners since Louisiana resumed executions in the spring after a 15-year hiatus. The Republican attorney general has said she’s intent on speeding up their path to the execution chamber, and a recent state law that Murrill supported forces many long-dormant challenges forward.

With the ruling, Taylor Porter attorneys are expected to enroll in more capital post-conviction cases for the attorney general. The firm currently represents the state in four such cases, according to Murrill’s office, under a contract that allows it to charge up to $350 hourly.

Among them is the case of former New Orleans Police Department officer Antoinette Frank, the only condemned woman in Louisiana.

Murrill’s husband, John Murrill, is one of about three dozen partners in the Taylor Porter firm. Capital defense advocates argued that the arrangement amounts to a conflict of interest.

Ethics experts say state law requires a higher stake than John Murrill’s 2.7% share of Taylor Porter to amount to a conflict. The state Ethics Board agreed in an advisory opinion in June, which the high court cited in its opinion.

The Louisiana Supreme Court earlier this year cleared Murrill’s office to represent the state in capital post-conviction cases when a district attorney requests it. Its ruling on Tuesday makes clear that the attorney general can outsource the work.

“Taylor Porter has been selected by the Attorney General pursuant to her clear statutory authority to hire private counsel to defend the warden and state. There is little as fundamental to a litigant as one’s ability to select the counsel of your choice,” the court stated.

Murrill says the government work done by Taylor Porter has been carved out from their income since she took office early last year.

“Neither my husband nor I profit off of this work. We won’t be deterred from our mission to see that justice is served, despite frivolous bad faith attacks from anti-death penalty lawyers,” Murrill said Tuesday in a statement.

Defense advocates, however, point to reduced funding for capital defense and a higher workload under the deadlines of the new state law. They say the state is paying outside lawyers at three times the rate of capital appeals attorneys.

“It’s just outrageous,” said James Boren, immediate past president of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

“What is absurd is after the attorney general and governor and legislature decrease funding for capital defense, increase the workload, decrease the amount of time to do it, the attorney general’s husband’s law firm is awarded a contract for hundreds of thousands of dollars for less work.”

Prosecutors and capital defense attorneys both say it’s unusual to see a private law firm step into a post-conviction proceeding for the state. Taylor Porter is one of three contractors doing post-conviction work for Murrill’s office, according to state records show.

While the court freed the firm, one of its lawyers remains barred from representing Murrill’s office on those cases. The ethics board found that Grant Willis, who previously led appeals for the attorney general, must sit out for two years. The blackout period for Willis ends next month.

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