“Debt free.” It was this initiative that breathed new life into Divine Providence Baptist Church. Our story begins long before this effort. It starts in 1930 with the founding of Divine Providence Church. For decades parishioners gathered at 2401 Annette Street. They worshiped within its walls. Hurricane Katrina devastated the building. The storm left the congregation without a home.
In 2006 Bishop Triplett led the displaced congregation. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. offered them sanctuary. He welcomed them to Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church-Westbank. This was a branch of a church founded in 1997. For years Bishops Triplett and Morton collaborated. They held separate Sunday services. They also held joint bible studies.
In 2009 the bishops felt a calling. They united their congregations. They established United Fellowship Full Gospel Baptist Church. However Bishop Triplett felt a pull to reopen the original Annette Street church. He knew its absence left a void. Many people in the 7th Ward needed the church’s services.
God led Bishop Triplett to a bold plan. It was the “debt free” initiative. He asked people to give their time, talents, and treasures. The goal was to rebuild the Eastbank Church. In 2011 United Fellowship Full Gospel Baptist Church achieved the impossible. It moved into its rebuilt sanctuary debt-free.
Bishop Triplett served his community for many years. In 2021 he passed the leadership to Pastor Brandon Boutin. Today Pastor Boutin leads the church. He guides the community of the 7th Ward into the future. The spirit of Divine Providence Baptist Church lives on. It continues to serve and uplift. It stands as a testament to faith and community. It is a beacon of hope in the 7th Ward.