Why are there so many churches in New Orleans? You might ask yourself standing here in front of the First Saint James Baptist Church. New Orleans is home to approximately 518 churches. This includes a staggering 215 Baptist churches like the First Saint James Baptist Church. The Baptist denomination itself boasts over forty-three million members globally. Nearly thirty-three million of these reside in America, making it the largest free church denomination in the country. The origins of Baptist churches can be traced back to John Smyth and the Separatist Movement in England in 1608. One unique aspect of the Baptist faith is their belief in the baptism of adult believers as opposed to infant baptism. Baptist denominations also function with a congregational church governance. This means that each individual congregation, including the First Saint James Baptist Church, governs itself autonomously.
Greater Saint Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church
Established 82 years ago this is Greater St Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. It began in Uptown New Orleans with