Earlier one of the readers on the blog, Darrell, mentioned the ties between Claiborne Parish and Webster Parish history. This afternoon I went over to Mt. Lebanon to hear Carleton Prothro speak on his family ties to Mt. Lebanon at the Annual Meeting of the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society. Five years ago I spoke at the meeting explaining some of the ties between Minden and Mt. Lebanon. Last year I spoke about Minden and Mt. Lebanon's ties as back-to-back stops on the old stagecoach road across North Louisiana.
For years I had known about the many ties between the Rehoboth Church at Mt. Lebanon (now known as Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church) and Minden Baptist Church (now known as First Baptist Church of Minden). But more and more I've come to realize the many ties between the communities beyond religion. Several of the original settlers of Mt. Lebanon also owned large parts of Minden and many owned business in both settlements. Today, Carlton, explained how his direct ancestor came to Mt. Lebanon after the founding, probably lured by the Prothro who was an original settler at Mt. Lebanon and who owned property locally and is the namesake of Prothro Branch here in Minden.
Probably half of those in attendance at today's meeting "have feet" in both communities and in Gibsland. (Although I'm not sure the old Mt. Lebanon folks have forgiven the Gibsland folks for "stealing" the VS&P railroad in 1884.)
The pictures above is the old Rehoboth Baptist Church, constructed in the 1850s, that still retains much of the charm of old Baptist churches in its interior style. The Louisiana Baptist Convention was of course established at Mt. Lebanon in 1848.
That is such a pretty church. I love seeing the old churches. We have an old methodist church in our community that I took a picture of after the snow last week that I was going to post and finally got around to posting it tonight. Funny you mentioned the connection between Mt. Lebanon and the Louisiana Baptist Convention. I knew about this and it just so happens that the old preacher who preached today mentioned this in His sermon.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read what Protho had to say. I have worshipped in that church and have eaten some mighty fine vittles at their dinner on the grounds. I don't recall Eva Connell ever mentioning Carlton's name in reference to Mt. Lebanon. I wonder if it was to protect the innocent.
ReplyDeleteKen Connell
LeBleu Settlement
Carlton's grandfather came to Bienville Parish before the Civil War, apparently led there by the Prothro's who were among the first settlers who came from Edgefield to Mt. Lebanon. He was a Dr. in Saline until his death in 1894. Carlton's father eventually went to live with a sister and her husband. They had been part of Rehoboth Church before moving to Shreveport and eventually Bossier City. The brother-in-law that reared Carlton's father was a Baptist preacher.
ReplyDeleteSo, Carlton personally didn't have any direct ties -- but we in Minden can blame . . . . er . . . thank Mt. Lebanon for playing a big role in him being here.