History of the Alabama Presbyterian Church
1854-2004

In the mid 1800’s our nation was experiencing what was called the Western Movement. This migration from the southeastern states was a phase of the march of the population from the Atlantic to the Pacific, most coming from Alabama, others from Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. The availability of cheap land and the beginning of the gold rush offered inducements that caused many to pack up and venture into the unknown.

A colony from the Carolina Presbyterian Church of Coosa County, Alabama was among that group of these adventurous pioneers. When they came upon the rolling hills of what is now known as “Sibley” they chose to call it home. These early courageous men and women brought with them religious and cultural traditions as well as their methods of making a living, that of farming. The land was available, the soil was fertile, and the highland healthy. They found conditions that would permit them to continue the life they knew and few moved on.

Arriving in October 1853, they joined others in Christian services held under a brush -arbor.

The Alabama Church was soon organized in the early part of 1854 by a group of those brush-arbor worshippers; God loving and fearing, men and women that knew the importance of having a church as the center of their community. As the custom of the day, they named the church for the state they migrated from. The first minister was Rev. James Hall. Rev. Hall, a Presbyterian licentiate from the state of Kentucky, had also arrived in the area. He had started to some point west with his wife and two small children. The daughter became ill and died at “Trenton”. Lack of funds caused him to delay his journey and search for a school as a means of support. But in God’s providence, the church found him first. Rev. Hall remained the minister until 1860 when he left to minister to the troops in New Orleans.

At this time, there were only five Presbyterian Churches in all of North Louisiana; the closest were Minden (1847) and Homer (1853). All were members of the Tombeckee Presbytery of the Synod of Mississippi. Because of obvious traveling difficulties, plans had begun in December 1853 to form a new Presbytery to be called the Presbytery of Red River in the Synod of Louisiana. The new Presbytery had its first meeting in the Minden Church, February 10, 1854. At this first meeting, L. Smith represented the Alabama Church, and the licentiate James M. Hall, was ordained as an Evangelist. L. Smith was one of those recently arriving from the Carolina Church in Alabama.

The ministers that followed were often “circuit riders” that traveled great distances for “preaching” without a regular schedule. Gradually finances improved and a minister was secured “first Sabbath”. In 1920, Rev. James F. Naylor was called to serve half time, and in 1938, Rev. Charlie Robinson became the first full time minister. Since Rev. Robinson thirteen ministers have served the church.

As mentioned the first services were held under a brush-arbor. In 1854, a log building was built at the present church site. This was replaced with a new building in 1892 with a two story Sunday school building being added in 1936. A modern brick building was constructed in 1951 with an educational wing added in 1967. The family Life Center was added in 1984 completing the present facilities. Other properties include a manse, children’s park, and softball field.

Those of us who claim the Alabama Church and Sibley community as home, either physically or spiritually, can say with the Psalmist, “Yea, I have a goodly heritage!” In many ways, it is a unique community. It is not unusual for three or even four generations of a family to live only short distances from each other. Those who have moved away feel a strong tug at their roots calling them to return as often as possible.

Our very attractive cemetery is the final resting place for generations dating back to 1854. In addition to the founding pioneers and their descendants there are many outsiders who want to be buried there. Several preachers who have served the Red River Presbytery (later Pines) have felt a strong attachment for the sacred space and are interred there until the Lord returns. Hardly a day passes without seeing visitors among the tombstones tracing their roots. The financial response for upkeep is generous and comes from donors all over the country.

Now we look forward to the future. The Alabama Church and Sibley families made up of saints and sinners, rich and poor, a diverse group but the common thread that binds us together is a great affection for the Lord, the people, the land, and the history of this little area of North Louisiana. The God who led our ancestors from the Carolinas and Alabama to settle in these hills, will surely lead us into a future that will be filled with many blessings and wonderful surprises—to God be the Glory.