For the first time in over a year, two Missouri congregations met in their separate church buildings.
Until early March, New Jerusalem Tabernacle of Praise — a non-denominational and predominantly black congregation — had worshipped with the predominantly white First Baptist Church, Louisiana, after a fire severely damaged the New Jerusalem building in 2020.
Horace Walters, pastor of New Jerusalem, and Bill Maupin, pastor of FBC Louisiana, shared the worship times, both preaching abbreviated messages.
After the fire, Maupin presented the need to the Baptist groups of Missourians on Mission and Campers on Mission, who restored the New Jerusalem church. A dedication service was held March 12 and included people from both congregations.
“I had put off the dedication two times, one because of weather and one because Pastor Bill’s daughter passed, and I needed to help the Maupin family,” Walters said.
Walters may have been the last to pray with Maupin’s daughter before she passed away.
Some 50 people attended the New Jerusalem dedication.
“We are giving our building back to the Lord. We had a joyous time in the new [renovated] building.” said Walters, adding the early services back in the building are drawing substantially fewer than the dedication service brought.
“Some members went to other churches after the fire. Some stopped coming. I hope the Word of God will draw them back in. We have a welcome invitation to come to the house of God. It’s not a race thing. We’re all God’s children. I look for different people to come so we’ll have a mixture. Heaven won’t just be one race,” Walters said.
‘A true friend’
Maupin’s church hosted a reception after the dedication service.
“It was a good dedication service. It will be a viable church. The building was restored to better condition than before the fire.” Maupin said.
Walters noted, “It was totally renovated, and it started with the weakened foundation. We have a new building with new wiring, new plumbing, new light fixtures. The builders all brought their specialties and they did a marvelous job. It’s a great joy to see the magic they did with the renovation.”
The two pastors shared a mutual affection in the bond of Christ for each other.
“We will continue working with New Jerusalem in other ways, we’ll keep the relationship,” Maupin said.
Walters noted, “Pastor Bill is a true friend. I love him and his family.” He even praised God for the terrible fire event itself.
“I’m so thankful God allowed it to happen and then give us another chance,” Walters noted. “We look forward to the church growing. We want to preach God’s word and save some souls.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Dan Steinbeck and was originally published by The Pathway, newsjournal of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
