The winds of change have always blown fiercely across Southwest Louisiana. For centuries, the people who call this region home have faced one storm after another—natural, political, and societal. But in the face of adversity, there has always been one thing that remained steadfast: faith. Finding Faith in the Storm is a project dedicated to capturing the narratives of resilience, survival, and faith that have shaped Black communities in this part of the world, with a particular focus on the members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Lake Charles.

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In January 1971, a group of Black Christians in North Lake Charles embarked on a mission to form a new church that would become a beacon of hope and strength in the community. Led by Rev. A.B. Lartigue and Deacons Jake Paul, Kaiser Williams, and Cunningham Bob, the group founded Unity Baptist Church, which would later be renamed Travelers Rest Baptist Church in 1979 as the congregation grew. The church’s journey reflects the history of perseverance that has defined Black Louisiana for generations—surviving hardship, overcoming obstacles, and preserving spiritual traditions in the face of systemic oppression.

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Lake Charles, Louisiana, has always been a segregated city. Incorporated in 1867, just two years after the Civil War, it was a place where Black residents lived in the shadows of racial inequality and segregation. Yet, in the face of these realities, the Black community created and nurtured a cultural and spiritual foundation that remains deeply rooted in the heart of the city. Despite the challenges of living in a space that often marginalized them, Black residents contributed to the musical and cultural heritage of Lake Charles, from Mardi Gras krewes to zydeco dances—nurtured in the soul of poor Black neighborhoods.

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But for all the joys of culture and community, there were always the challenges: environmental racism, economic struggles, and the constant threat of natural disasters. In fact, many of the members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church migrated to Lake Charles during the 1950s through the 1970s, drawn by the promises of jobs brought by the booming petrochemical industry and the Port of Lake Charles. They found work, yes—but they also found themselves in an environment fraught with challenges that threatened both their lives and their land.

The resilience of the Black community in Southwest Louisiana, particularly in Lake Charles, cannot be overstated. It is a resilience that echoes through the history of Travelers Rest Baptist Church, a place of worship that has weathered countless storms—literal and figurative. From hurricanes and ice storms to the relentless march of chemical pollution, the church has stood as a testament to the strength of its people. And despite these many setbacks, the motto of the church, “More Faith than Members,” tells the story of a community that refuses to be defeated, no matter the size of the storm.

This is where Finding Faith in the Storm begins—by diving into the heart of the Travelers Rest Baptist Church and exploring the faith and perseverance that have allowed its members to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. This project documents the stories of the church’s congregation as they reflect on their struggles, triumphs, and unwavering faith. It examines how the church has remained a cornerstone of Black life in Lake Charles, nurturing the community through devastating hurricanes, environmental disasters, and the challenges of living in a city with a fraught racial history.

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At the core of this project is an exploration of the intersection between faith and survival. How has the Black church in Southwest Louisiana, and Travelers Rest specifically, acted as a sanctuary for those facing the storms of life? In what ways have worship practices, such as watch-night services, revivals, and church celebrations, carried on traditions of resistance and resilience passed down through generations? And how has the church been an agent of change in a community long subjected to environmental racism and systemic oppression?

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The members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church have not only survived the storms, but they have also given back to their community in profound ways. From providing resources for disaster relief to volunteering at local food pantries, the church has been a beacon of hope for those in need. And through oral histories, community focus groups, and archival research, this project collects the narratives that tell the full story of these acts of perseverance.

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One of the most exciting aspects of Finding Faith in the Storm is the creation of this digital archive and exhibition that preserves the voices of those who have lived through these trials. Through interviews and community conversations, we gather the stories, photos, documents, and other materials that make up the rich history of Travelers Rest Baptist Church. As a scholar of Africana Studies, I’ve spent the last seven years exploring the African diasporic traditions that have shaped the culture of South Louisiana. This project is a direct extension of that work, building on my family oral histories and their experiences at Maryland Chapel C.M.E. Church in Branch, Louisiana. It was through these conversations that I began to realize just how much the Black church has been a central figure in sustaining Black communities in the face of adversity.

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With support from the Crossroads Project, Finding Faith in the Storm has allowed me to conduct a thorough investigation into the history of Black churches like Travelers Rest, capturing the stories of their members, and creating an online archive to ensure that these histories are not forgotten. By amplifying these voices, I hope to shed light on the broader story of Black perseverance in Southwest Louisiana and contribute to the ongoing conversation about environmental justice, anti-racism, and community resilience.

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The methodology for this project relied heavily on archival research, oral interviews, and ethnographic research. Retrieving archival documents from McNeese State University in Lake Charles provided additional context for the final exhibition and digital archive. Conducting oral interviews with members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church helped to grasp the experiences and contributions of the church. 

In collaboration with McNeese State University archives, we curated an exhibit that tells the story of Travelers Rest Baptist Church and the broader Black church community in Lake Charles. This exhibit serves as a living testament to the resilience of the people who have faced storm after storm and yet continue to find faith in the heart of every battle.

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In a world where faith can often be tested, Finding Faith in the Storm serves as a reminder that there are places where that faith endures. And for the members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church, their faith is not just something they hold on to—it is something they give to the world around them, as they continue to weather life’s storms together.