Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

J. L. Stone

J. L. Stone served as pastor of Homer Baptist Church from 1925 to 1930. He was called to Homer from Bagdad Baptist Church, Bagdad, Kentucky.

During his tenure, the church became known as First Baptist Church of Homer, though this name change did not officially take place until 1951. He congregation was settled in the new building on West Main and enjoying Judge Richardson's playing of the new Pilcher organ. Membership of the church rose to a new high of 646 by 1929 and the church budget increased year after year. During his tenure as pastor, the work of the Women's Missionary Union became increasingly important and the state convention of the WMU was held in Homer Baptist church in 1927. Brother Stone delivered the opening message for the convention and his wife served as state director of personal service for the WMU. He also served on the Louisiana State Convention Evolution in Textbooks Committee as well as the Hospital Committee, a member of the State Cooperative Program Committee and as a Trustee of Louisiana College.

He was adamantly opposed to the teaching of evolution in the schools and encouraged the church to pass a resolution condemning the practice.

Genevieve Torbet Tompkins remembers Brother Stone well because he baptized her. About twenty-four people were baptized that Sunday evening after Byron Cox led the church in song. Both Brother and Mrs. Stone were highly regarded as teachers. Vera Stone was an elementary teacher and responsible for the first Royal Ambassador organization within the church and was known statewide for her work in this area. She is remembered for the writing, producing and directing of plays and pageants, especially those for children and served as a district member of the Executive Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. After serving as pastor, Brother Stone taught at the seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. They were quiet, reserved people but well-liked. 36

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish | AHGP

Source: Author's Notice: I hereby give permission for the free dissemination of any and all material included within the book and permit any non profit use of that material. Should any agency wish to use the material in a profit context, permission must be secured from the church body of First Baptist Church, Homer, LA 71040.  By Barbara Smith, Homer, Louisiana.