Our Mission
At Evergreen Baptist Church, our mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to maintain the worship of God, to follow the leadership of the Pastor as the Holy Spirit leads him, and to inspire in all persons a love for Christ, a passion for righteousness, and a consciousness of their duties to God and their fellow human beings.
Our Rich History
Humble Beginnings
Despite the challenges of the post-Reconstruction era, the Evergreen Baptist Church established born on August 16, 1878. A small group of believers, led by Rev. Aaron Wells, gathered in an old fish house at the corner of Jordan Street and Texas Avenue. This humble beginning was the foundation of our church’s remarkable journey.
Following him, Rev. Thomas Christian served as the second pastor for one year before he was called from labor to reward.
A Season of Growth
Under the leadership of our third pastor, Rev. I. A. Carter, the church experienced a significant period of growth. Seeking a better home for the congregation, he led the church to the corner of Christian and Shreve Streets, where a beautiful frame building was constructed. Rev. Carter’s 42-year tenure was a testament to the church’s growth and progress.
Expansion and New Vision
On February 4, 1923, Rev. J. E. Evans was elected as Evergreen’s fourth pastor. He served the congregation for 17 years, providing steady leadership until he, too, was called from labor to reward.
In November 1940, Rev. J. R. Retledge became the fifth pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church. His pastorate marked a time of significant progress, including retiring the church’s debt, enlarging the church building, organizing Speaking Choirs 1 and 2, establishing an accredited leadership study course, and forming the male chorus.
When construction of the I-20 Expressway required the church to relocate, the church purchased property at the corner of Allen Avenue and Poland Street. The Octagon Building—now serving as our multi-purpose facility—was erected and dedicated on September 4, 1960. Rev. Retledge served faithfully for 27 years until his passing on November 7, 1967.
A New Sanctuary
On June 3, 1968, Rev. Charlie Jefferson was called as Evergreen’s sixth pastor and began his duties on June 17. Within ten months, the church’s indebtedness was paid in full. Obeying a vision he believed came from the Holy Spirit, Pastor Jefferson led the congregation into a new sanctuary on June 1, 1986. The building—later named Jefferson Chapel—cost just over $700,000, and its note was liquidated in only 2.5 years. Pastor Jefferson served faithfully until he was called from labor to reward on January 29, 2001.
A Season of Renewal
On June 2, 2001, Rev. Aaron Lynn Dobynes of Sprott, Alabama, became the seventh pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church. Embracing the theme “Evergreen, a Great Place to Grow” (Getting Ready on the Word), he strengthened the congregation through powerful preaching, dedicated teaching, and by inviting renowned clergy from across the nation. Rev. Dobynes emphasized love, acceptance, and appreciation for the historical legacy of Evergreen Baptist Church. He submitted his resignation on May 1, 2014.
A Bright Future
On March 29, 2015, Rev. Arthur Douglas Jr. was elected as the eighth pastor. Pastor Douglas has devoted himself to advancing the Gospel of Christ within the church and the community. Under his leadership, the ministries of Evergreen—including Bible Study, Prayer Meeting, and various outreach programs—continue to thrive. His administrative and leadership skills have strengthened the church’s daily operations and long-term vision. With our theme “Lifting Jesus,” Evergreen Baptist Church remains committed to shining as a guiding light in our community. Our rich history continues to inspire us as we move forward in faith, service, and the love of Christ.
Our Social Justice Legacy
Evergreen Baptist Church stands as one of the most significant stops on Shreveport’s Civil Rights Trail, a place where courage, faith, and the demand for justice converged. Under the leadership of Rev. J. R. Retledge, the church became a spiritual refuge and a strategic center for the local civil rights movement. Retledge opened the doors of Evergreen not only for worship but also for mass meetings that galvanized Black citizens toward collective action.
One of the most pivotal gatherings occurred when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Shreveport as the keynote speaker for a mass meeting held at Evergreen. Deacon Napoleon Barrett, who attended the event, recalled that people parked their cars blocks away and walked quietly toward the sanctuary, aware of the risks but determined to be present. By the time King arrived, the church was filled to capacity—every pew lined, aisles crowded, and balconies packed with community members who understood they were witnessing history.
Outside, however, a far different scene unfolded. As the service progressed, white supremacists and members of the Ku Klux Klan assembled in front of the church, picketing and attempting to intimidate those inside. Their presence heightened an already tense atmosphere. Many congregants avoided sitting near windows, fearing that the agitators outside might fire into the sanctuary or throw explosives. Even so, not one attendee left. The congregation remained steadfast, their quiet resolve reflecting both the danger of the moment and the depth of their commitment.
Inside, Rev. Retledge urged church members to stand firm in the growing civil rights movement. He spoke passionately about the power of the vote and encouraged all eligible Black citizens to register despite the obstacles and threats they faced. His leadership during these turbulent years demonstrated remarkable bravery and moral clarity.
Rev. Retledge’s dedication extended beyond a single meeting. In 1962, he hosted a ministerial luncheon for Dr. King, further strengthening Evergreen’s role as a center of activism in Shreveport. His willingness to welcome national civil rights leaders—despite the risks—made the church a beacon of hope, unity, and determination for the city’s African American community.
Today, Evergreen Baptist Church remains a powerful symbol of the local struggle for equality. It honors the memory of those who gathered there—walking from blocks away, braving intimidation, and standing together—in pursuit of the rights and dignity long denied to them.