Page "Clarence, Louisiana" Paragraph 5

Clarence Baptist Church was founded by thirty charter members in 1945, but its sanctuary on Louisiana Highway 6 dates to the pre-World War I era, having been the chapel of the former Camp Claiborne, a United States Army facility near Alexandria in Rapides Parish.

The chapel was physically moved to Clarence in 1948, dedicated in 1949, bricked during the 1950s, and still serves as a worship center, having undergone complete remodeling in 2002.

The balcony, now a storage area, was used by African American troops who were segregated in worship from white soldiers who used the pews of the lower tier.

The church has a baptistry and maintains a parsonage across the highway.

Since 2003, the pastor has been the Reverend Harry Bamburg, the 21st man to hold the position.

Among previous pastors is William A. Poe ( born 1926 ), formerly an historian with Northwestern State University in Natchitoches who has retired to his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.