Israelite Baptist Church dedicates new building

On Sunday, Oct. 26, the members of Israelite Baptist Church in Crowley celebrated not only the 116th anniversary of the church, but also the construction of a brand new sanctuary building.

Cheryl Shelvin-Lewis, the first lady of the church,  acted as mistress of ceremony for the building dedication service. Speakers included the church’s pastor, Rev. Ivan J. Lewis, and a number of building committee members. The church’s Gospel Choir performed several selections.

Mayor Greg Jones was also on hand to cut the ribbon on the new building, as well as to read a proclamation in honor of the church:

Proclamation

WHEREAS, on Sunday, October 26, 2014, Israelite Baptist Church will celebrate their 116th anniversary and dedication of their new building to celebrate God in His sacred place, with others, to rejoice, anoint the house, bless the contents and to all people who serve and come here; and

WHEREAS, Israelite Baptist Church contributes greatly to the spiritual life of the city and also providing productive and progressive civic leadership; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 theme is “A Church Driven with a New Attitude: For the People had a Mind to Work” and the Scripture theme is Nehemiah 4:6; and

WHEREAS, in 1898, Reverend Alexander Oliver, a divinely inspired leader who would later become their first Pastor, led this small flock of Christian men and women in undertaking the challenge to build a church of their own; and

WHEREAS, Israelite Baptist Church were able to purchase the land at the corner of Avenue C and 4th Street for the princely sum of seventy dollars ($70) and build their house of worship; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Ivan Lewis, Pastor and the Israelite Baptist Church family will dedicate their new edifice to Christian fellowship, worship, prayer, praise, preaching, evangelism and to God’s glory; and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Israelite Baptist Church has always believed that the church and community should be mutually supportive of each other and have manifested this commitment in tangible assistance with many worthwhile civic projects; and

WHEREAS, the Israelite church family’s famed musical heritage has been a source of pride and pleasure for the city; and

WHEREAS, the City of Crowley wishes to continue to support Israelite Baptist Church in all its endeavors; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Crowley extends our appreciation to the Israelite Baptist Church and its members who have worked so faithfully and given so generously to the civic projects in our community,

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and officially affixed the Great Seal of the City of Crowley, Louisiana on this 26th day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen.

s/Greg A. Jones

Greg A. Jones, Mayor

City of Crowley.

Rev. Willie Maynard Jr., pastor of St. James Baptist Church in Roanoke and St. Paul Baptist Church in Opelousas, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and delivered the Dedicatory Message.

Following the dedication ceremony, the members of the church and their guests enjoyed dinner in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Serving on the “Nehemiah Project” Building Committee were Rev. Ivan J. Lewis, Bro. Darrel Victoria Sr., Min. De’Angelo Francis, Rev. Dennis Smith, Bro. Earl Price Sr., Bro. Fred Williams, Bro. Joseph Sylvester, Rev. Peter Joseph, Bro. Thad Nolan, Sis. Angela Augustus, Sis. Cheryl Shelvin-Lewis, Sis. Danielle Damon, Sis. Debbie Nolan, Sis. DeBira Broussard, Sis. Linda Davis, Sis. Meridian Vallery and Sis. Mona M. Woods.