History of The Bayou Church
God planted a vision in a faithful band of believers from Emmanuel Baptist Church. Their obedience to plant a church east of the bayou on a dirt road has come to fruition and impacted thousands in Acadiana.
HISTORY TIMELINE
1965: Land Purchased
Emmanuel Baptist Church purchases 4.5 acres to plant a church on a two-lane country road now known as Kaliste Saloom Rd.
1969: Beadle Furniture Store
East Bayou Baptist Church met for the first time in Beadle’s Furniture Store on Kaliste Saloom Road. 31 people attended the first service.
1971: First Building
On a barren cow pasture, East Bayou constructed their first building which included an auditorium, preschool, and fellowship hall.
1984: Second Building
The church quickly outgrew the first building, and East Bayou opened the doors of its second building in 1984. A month later, they welcomed a new pastor, Mike Walker, and his wife, Paula, to lead them.
1984: New Pastor
East Bayou welcomed Mike Walker and his wife, Paula, as the new pastor to lead the church into the next century.
1986: Roller City Purchased
After renting space from Roller City, East Bayou purchased Roller City and the surrounding land for a new ministry center.
1991: Worship Style Changed
East Bayou took a step of faith to reach people by changing from traditional music style to a contemporary and innovative style so people could connect.
1996: Movie Set
Robert Duvall and Farah Fawcett filmed the opening scene of The Apostle in East Bayou’s old sanctuary.
2003: Third Building
East Bayou Baptist Church moves into the current two-story building which expanded the auditorium seating to nearly 1,000 people. Additionally, the Ministry Center was renovated after Hurricane Lili.
2005: Field Purchased
East Bayou purchased an additional five acres behind the Ministry Center in anticipation of future growth.
2007: Multiple Venues
East Bayou expanded Sunday morning services by offering multiple venues including the Cafe, Family Room, and graded spaces in our kids and student ministry.
2011: Final Payment
Through members’ sacrificial giving and prayer, East Bayou made a final mortgage payment to the lending institution to become debt free.
2014: Name Change
East Bayou Baptist Church took a bold step of faith to shorten the name to The Bayou Church allowing a broader reach in Acadiana.