Gentilly Baptist Church

In the heart of Gentilly, a small group gathered in 1922. They felt a spiritual calling. They yearned for a place to worship together. This led to the birth of Gentilly Baptist Church. The church’s story began in a modest home at 4963 DeMontluzin Street, belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hardin Hagler. It was here that Sunday School classes started, with just thirteen members. They realized the Gentilly community needed a Baptist church. There were none within a reasonable distance. Reverend Joshua C. Alexander, then a student at the Baptist Bible Institute, travelled from Bessemer, Alabama to preach in the Hagler’s home every Sunday. In September 1922, revival meetings ignited a determination to establish a church. Gentilly Baptist Church officially organized on January 8, 1923. Nine charter members formed the core of this new community: Mr. and Mrs. Lester H. Hagler, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Turnage, Mr. and Mrs. H. N. Turnage, Mrs. Alma Donnels, Mrs. Stella Owens, and Mrs. Josephine Woods. They acquired property at 5141 Franklin Avenue. Construction began on a simple shed, led by Mr. Hagler and Mr. Basil Burnett. On May 6, 1923, the congregation, now numbering twenty-four, walked from the Haglers’ home to their new church. They sang hymns, their hearts filled with joy. They sat on plain wooden benches. The discomfort couldn’t diminish the significance of their new spiritual home. Dedication services were held a week later. A heartfelt letter of appreciation, signed by all the members, was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Hagler for their vision and dedication. From this humble beginning, Gentilly Baptist Church grew. Through two expansions, the building evolved. The congregation worked diligently to pay off the church debt. The church saw five pastors during its early decades. Reverend Ernest R. Vincett, who succeeded Reverend Alexander, oversaw the first expansion. Reverend E. M. Causey, Th.D., guided a period of steady growth. Reverend Alexander Best, Th.D., led the second addition, shaping the church into its present form. He also helped pay off a significant portion of the debt. Dr. Lawrence Bracey Campbell, M.A., M.O., Th.D., arrived from Canton, Mississippi in 1937. He focused on expanding membership and church activities while tackling the remaining debt. Gentilly Baptist Church faced another challenge in 2005. Hurricane Katrina flooded the church with almost eight feet of water. But the resilient spirit of the congregation, combined with the support of staff and volunteers, led to remarkable recovery. Renovations and new construction breathed life back into this cherished place of worship. Gentilly Baptist Church stands today as a testament to the power of faith and community.