Bonner Creek Road
Franklinton
Washington Parish
Louisiana USA
Postal Code: 70438
The following is a history of the church that we attended. It was a Primitive Baptist one room church and services were provided on Sundays. We would travel on a gravel road off the main highway to get there. Our father attended here frequently as a young boy and later his parents and brother were buried behind the church. It was a heartfelt place and seemed like a very desirable place to worship. Being only a few miles from the farm; they would go to church by horse and buggy. Usually after the sermon, people would bring food to share and Sunday was spent as an entire day celebrating and worshiping our, “Lord our Father.” The church had influenced on us while growing up, because it being important to our father as he spoke highly of it. We attended only a few times on our trips, but those occasions stayed with me all my life. Our entire family was there: Mother, Father, Ray, Bobby and I along with our aunt and uncle, and aunt from California, and their children. I somehow believe it was part of my father’s “core” as a child. I was able to find the church on the internet; therefore, I am happy to report that it must still exist reaching out to those in the area. Our grandparents and uncle are buried behind the church.
This picture shows the front of the church. We only attended a few times, but felt very welcome. Behind the church is the grave site of our grandparents and one of my uncles. At some point in my life, I would love to return one last time.
I am sorry to say I do not know much more than what was written here and have not been there since a young teenager.
These are family members that are now buried there. (Click on any marker, if connected to the web to get more information).
Denman D. Stafford:
Parents:
Collie O. Stafford (1889 – 1979)
Lunnie Thomas Stafford (1894 – 1973)
Inscription:
La. Cpl 702 Coast Arty (AA) WWII
Note: Husband of Lonie Knight Stafford (I saw him as a young boy and he was sick then. His wife did live on the farm for a while in a mobile home, but never really knew her either)
Grandparents: Collie and Lunnie Stafford
Collie O. Stafford
Birth: March 22, 1889
Death: June 10, 1979
Spouse: Lunnie Thomas Stafford (1894 – 1973)
As a child, I met them several times on our frequent trips to Louisiana. Due to the limited time there, they mostly had conversations with Dad and I never got to know them much.
W.E. Stafford
Birth: May 11, 1927
Death: September 13, 2004
W.E. was mentally handicapped from a high fever as a child. He never really matured, but loved going to church and staying around his parents. On Sundays, he would (by himself) get up and attend church in the morning and evening. He usually attended the Wednesday services as well.
He visited Tampa, but always felt more comfortable when he returned to Louisiana. Our parents tried to help him around the house, teach him to work at the store, but he was comfortable with his life in Louisiana. Although our parents worked with him while in Tampa, and he did accomplish some new tasks, W.E. was always ready to get back to his home in Louisiana.
Uncle Earl was a loving, caring uncle. He was always friendly and loved laughing. We saw him a few times while in Louisiana and visited him a couple of times when he lived in Atlanta. He was a wonderful host, taking us places and offering his home (like it was ours) to stay while visiting. He loved “History” and enjoyed taking us to museums; as well as other areas in Georgia to learn the history of battles, trains, and other historical facts. Uncle Earl was always smiling and wanting to please.
Sadly, I do not have more information on this part of my life and with regrets will leave it as it is to settle into the sea. I hope someone who reads this will one day, will be able to fill in more information.
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