Beard Congreagtional Church Historical Presentation

In 1912 Beard Congregational Church was built as a place of worship. Rev. James A. Herod partnered with the Dozier family as the founders of the Church. Rev. Herod leveraged the knowledge that he gained from his dual roles as pastor and educator at St. Mary’s Congregational Church in Abbeville, Louisiana. The model was repeated in Erath with the construction of the Beard Congregational Church. 

The structure was a simple wood A-frame building. Robert Dozier, Frances Dozier and their son in law, Alcide Jessie spearheaded the construction of the little wooden church. The construction crew consisted of  the local craftsmen and carpenter who would worship there. The location selected was next to the home of Frances and Robert Dozier’s home. This location was close in proximity to several other African American families, like the Pillette’s, the Green’s, the Lee’s, the Broussard’s and many others. The address was 402 Granger Street in Erath, La , which is where the structure remains today. 

Reverend B.T. Whit wore dual hats and served as both pastor and teacher at the church. He delivered many soul stirring sermons and songs of praise from the little wooden church on Granger Street. On Sunday morning, Rev Whitt was known to  raise the roof with his hooping and call to deep southern spirited worship.