Wander back to 1962. Several families in the Boutte-Luling area dreamed of a local independent church. These families started Bible studies and prayer meetings in their homes. This dream was the seed that grew into the Bible Center Church.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. While those prayers rose in Luling God worked a thousand miles away in West Virginia. He fit pieces together to answer those prayers. Three families moved from an independent church in South Charleston WV. Two moved to the Luling area.
Larry Miller a young engineer with Union Carbide transferred to Taft LA in 1965. The following year the Birds moved to Texas. Then the Mallorys moved to Taft LA. The Millers knew Tom and Bernice Gilbert at the New Orleans Bible Church. The Millers invited the Mallorys to church. There they also met the Gilberts.
During late 1966 and early 1967 God was working with Larry. Larry consulted Rev. Lawrence in Memphis. He confirmed his calling into full-time Christian ministry. Larry resigned his position and moved his family to Dallas TX. He planned to attend seminary. Before leaving he was asked to send a pastor teacher for the Luling area.
The Gilberts the Mallorys and other Luling families continued to serve at the New Orleans Bible Church. In Larry’s second year he called the Gilberts. He told them about James Jim Raiford. Raiford was graduating in May. Larry said he would make an excellent pastor for a new local work.
The group contacted Raiford. He agreed to a meeting. It was set for the weekend of March 7-9 1969. Phyllis Mallory arranged to use the band room at Mimosa Park Elementary School. A friend from New Orleans Bible Church provided a picture of Raiford. The event was advertised in the local newspaper.
Jim contacted the group. He accepted a teaching position at Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham AL. After prayer Jim agreed to fulfill his speaking engagement. Jim arrived on Saturday March 8th. The group discussed how to start a Bible Church. On Sunday March 9th they had their special service. It was in the band room of Mimosa Park School. About thirty people attended. The church was born that day.
Even without a pastor they had a body of believers. Mitch Mallory was their first church pianist. That Sunday afternoon was spent at the Gilberts. Jim answered questions about the next steps. He guided them through church planting. He stated There will be a Bible Church in Luling. Jim gave instructions on writing the church constitution. He also helped decide on a name for the church.
The name Bible Center Church was chosen. It showed that the emphasis would be on God’s Word. There would be no church denomination attached. Jim sent another graduating student Danny Threaton. He was to hold services the next Sunday. Tom and Burl secured the school band room for regular use. There was no charge. They even got a key. The cafeteria became Sunday School space. The Mallorys provided nursery facilities in their home. Wednesday evening Bible study and prayer was held at the Gilberts. Dave Vannoy led the study.
In March 1969 fifteen families met in the Mimosa School Cafeteria. They signed the charter for the birth of the Bible Center Church of Luling. Jim continued to give direction and counsel. Before graduating he returned to Luling. He evaluated the progress and his family met the group. They realized God was calling them to be their spiritual leaders. Jim accepted the position as Bible Center Church’s first pastor.
Jim began as pastor on June 15 1969. He built a firm foundation for the church. By April 1970 the church had sixty-seven members. The Bible Center Church emphasizes teaching the Bible clearly. It must also be relevant to daily living. They also have a plan to read the entire Bible in a year.
Today the Bible Center Church continues its mission. It strengthens marriages and families. It also plants new churches locally and internationally. This dedication to faith and community makes the Bible Center Church a special place.