About Us

In 1924, the Lord revealed to Rev. J. McAlfred that there were sheep in need of an earthly shelter. Rev. McAlfred, already a man with a vision, obeyed the command of God by communicating this revelation to Brothers H. Landry, W. Baptiste, S. Jackson and Sister J. Pearl. Rev. McAlfred was determined to carry out God’s will in spite of meager finances. As a result, Progressive Baptist Church was founded in October of 1924. The building consisted of a one room green structure located at 437 Cohen Street in Marrero, Louisiana, an unincorporated area on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Although spiritually strong, Rev. McAlfred’s physical condition was failing. As a result, he was called to his eternal rest after a short period of service. Rev. Amos Morris was elected and installed as Pastor in 1930. During his pastorate, the church grew considerably. A new edifice was erected to accommodate the expansion of membership. Rev. Morris served until 1935. Upon his departure, Rev. Mimms was elected and installed as Pastor. With the growth of the congregation, it was necessary to organize the church in a manner that would edify Jesus Christ. Auxiliaries and new positions were organized and appointed. Rev. Mimms served from 1935 until the latter part of 1937. In search of a new pastor, the congregation of Progressive Baptist Church prayed for a spirit filled leader who would remain faithful through the good and the bad. God sent Rev. Samuel Thomas Richard of Westwego, Louisiana to lead and spiritually feed the flock. Rev. Richard was elected and installed as Pastor in the year 1937. During Rev. Richard’s pastorate many accomplishments were made. A Deacon Board with strong, faithful appointees such as Deacons John Smith, Dan Carey, Horace Duckett, Oscar Duckett, Claude Stevenson, Lloyd Lewis and Willie Baptiste. These spirit filled men presented strong leadership during Rev. Richard’s tenure. They were determined that Progressive Baptist Church would be a church that had God’s seal of approval. During this period the building was remodeled. An indoor baptismal pool was added, and a dining hall was erected on the church’s property. In 1951, the U.M.W. St. Grand Lodge laid a cornerstone. Rev. Richard remained faithful until 1968. As he progressed in years, he became ill and could no longer preside. Rev. Alex J. Pritchett became acting pastor at that time. On April 2, 1968, God called Rev. Richard home to rest. Rev. Alex J. Pritchett was elected and installed as Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church on August 1, 1969. Rev. Pritchett was a young man with a burning desire to give his best to God. He immediately began to restructure and build up around him. As he directed the congregation, he adopted the motto, ‘We enter to worship, We depart to serve.” Rev. Pritchett’s hard work and motivation produced such a rapid growth in membership; the congregation was soon in need of a new edifice. However, unfavorable weather conditions, including the strike of a devastating hurricane resulted in an urgent need to begin building immediately. In 1970, the Pastor, officers and members agreed to begin building. During major renovations Progressive Baptist Church’s congregation held service at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Westwego, LA. The new building was dedicated the week of October 23 through October 29, 1972. A new Corner Stone was laid for recognition of those contributing to the constant development of the church. Lightening struck the church on two occasions, causing extensive damage. Each time major repairs were required. However, each renovation brought the edifice to a new level and the swelling membership mandated the following auxiliaries: Deacon, Deaconess, Usher I and II Boards, Senior and Young Adult Choirs, and Sunday School and Education Departments. Under the leadership of Rev. Pritchett, a decision was made in 1986 to add an Education Wing to accommodate the Sunday School Department, which had greatly expanded. With prayers, faith and the help of dedicated and conscientious members and friends the project was completed. During the week of March 29, 1987, services were held to dedicate the section which is now known as the Education Wing. In 1996 Rev. Alex J. Pritchett informed the congregation that he was retiring as Pastor because of failing health. This, of course, saddened the congregation because Rev. Pritchett had been a shining example to the church for nearly thirty years. However, a humble young man, who had been an apprentice of Rev. Pritchett, softened the blow as he became Rev. Pritchett’s successor. This young man, Sterling Mealancon, had worked faithfully by Rev. Pritchett’s side for many years In April of 1996, Rev. Sterling Mealancon was elected and installed as Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church. The membership of Progressive continues to grow and with this growth the congregation humbly boast of a dynamic and spiritual Pastor, Associate Ministers, Trustee Board, financial officers, Deacon and Deaconess Boards, Senior, Male and Young Adult Choirs, Usher Boards, I, II, and Junior, Pastor’s Support Group, Education and Youth Departments and Newsletter Volunteers. During the tenure of Rev. A. J. Pritchett, his vision was to purchase the tract of land directly across from the Church. He started a fund to purchase the land whenever it became available. In 1997, Progressive Baptist Church purchased that tract of land, thus, making Rev. Pritchett’s vision a reality. Progressive Baptist Church became the proud owner of approximately one and one half acres of land with plans to build a multi-purpose building. In March of 2003, Progressive Baptist Church changed it’s name to Progressive Church and the motto became Progressive Church, “Helping People Progress.” Progressive has also purchased more than twenty acres of the land where the Progressive Family Life Center and Progressive Complex will be built. The congregation of Progressive continues to believe that “We have come this far by faith” and “We are the Church that is becoming….”