A great milestone is in effect in Edgard. The Greater New St. Peter Baptist Church celebrated its 118 Year Anniversary on Sunday, July 15 and will celebrate their current Pastor, the Rev. Vernon Alexander Sr. for 41 years as Pastor.

This church is no different from the life of the people that made this history wonderful and different. This is the first milestone.

The church was organized and founded October 24, 1900, by the late Rev. Bailey Peter Lee. Through the years there have been four awesome pastor/leaders.

The first Pastor was its founder, The Late Rev. Bailey Peter Lee. He served as pastor for 25 years. He was a very good servant of God.

The second Pastor was The Late Rev. Charles K. Toups. He served as pastor for nine yeas. He was dedicated to the Glory of God. By faith, His entire life and purpose were transformed to do the will of God.

The third Pastor was the Late Rev. Jake Harper. He served for 41 years. He was a very good Pastor, Shepherd, Counselor and a very people-friendly person. He worked in love, wisdom, humility, courage, patience, joy and in self denial. Only God could have enabled him to serve as he did.

The fourth and present Pastor is, Rev. Vernon Alexander Sr. He was installed as Pastor of The Greater New St. Peter Baptist Church, October 30, 1977. He came with a newness and freshness to do the work of the Master. He is a true leader and a Gospel Minister.

The Church was once called the St. Peter Baptist Church in the conception state in Schexnayder Quarter.  It was called “The Front Church” until 1931, when the levee was moved. At that time the name was destroyed in a storm. November, 1952, the church was rebuilt and the name was changed to Greater New St. Peter Baptist Church.

The Church celebrated 118 years Anniversary, Sunday, July 15, 2018. The guest minister for this special occasion was the Rev. Kevin Fredrick, pastor of Israelite Baptist Church in Lutcher.

The second milestone is the Anniversary Celebration of Rev. Vernon Alexander Sr. and First Lady Yvonne Alexander for 41 years of service to the Greater New St. Peter Baptist Church.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 reads, “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel.  We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts,”

He was born Dec. 8, 1936. He is the sixth child of the late Joseph and late Odessa Hafford Alexander. He comes from a family line that is very strong in the Lord.

Pastor Vernon Alexander Sr. is honored and well respected by his family. He is married to Yvonne Banks Alexander, who has and is diligently working by his side for the cause of Christ. Together they have five children: Rosalyn Gauff, Phliss Duhe, Jeanne Palmer, Lisa and Vernon Alexander Jr.

He confessed his belief in Christ, October 1963 and was baptized at the Providence #1 Baptist Church, LaPlace by the Late Rev. Samuel Jones. There he was a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Male Chorus.

He received his early education in St. Charles Parish and Orleans Parish. He attended the Union Baptist College and Theological Seminary, 1970-1976 and received his Bachelor of Theology Degree and Master of Theology. He served in the United States navy from 1956-1958.

Pastor Alexander was ordained by the Central Union Missionary Baptist Association INC. He served as an Evangelist, Missionary and President of the Sunday School until 1992.

He also served as First vice President of central Union Missionary Baptist Association.

In 1977, God sent Pastor Alexander to Greater New St. Peter Baptist Church. He was installed and confirmed as Pastor. He believes that the Holy Spirit is the true Word of God and that Salvation is by none other than Jesus Christ. He, therefore, prides himself in teaching and preaching God’s Word.

He is an inspired and energetic preacher and teacher who is disciplined, task-oriented, well grounded in Biblical Truth and loves the Lord.

Under his leadership as Pastor, so many great things have been accomplished. He has organized many ministries for building of Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Many have been added to the congregation of Saints.

Under His leadership, there are three dynamic and loyal Minister/teachers. They are Rev. Joseph Comminie Jr., Rev. Joseph Hilaire and Rev. Joseph Weber.

Rev. Vernon Alexander and First Lady Yvonne Alexander will celebrate 41 years of service during an Anniversary Service Sept. 16. The first service is at 7:30 a.m. and the second service is at 3 p.m. Everyone is invited.

Thank God for these two milestones in Edgard.

Gail M. Comminie, an Edgard resident, writes about people and events on the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish. She can be reached at 985-267-1004 or gailmc13@rtconline.com.