On June 29, 1951 – in the Byrd Station Subdivision [a virgin community of 187 homes]Gloryland Baptist Church was born. The Fourth District Association, with the late Dr. E. D. Billoups as moderator, organized the church with eighteen persons in attendance. The group elected Rev. Edward W. Brown as pastor. The name Gloryland was suggested by Frances Ambeau and was adopted by the group.

Services were held in a tent at the present site and on February 9, 1958, with a membership of 88, the church was dedicated. The membership owes a debt of gratitude to the following pioneers Billie Corbin, Abner Armstrong, Bertel Winder, Louis Ginn, Osborne Johnson, Jake Thomas, Henry Spooner, Nathan Johnson, Willie Lafayette, Jr. and Edward W. Brown for their work and fortitude.

After the departure of Rev. Edward Brown, Rev. John Henry Scott pastored for a short time. On September 10, 1959, Gloryland Baptist Church ordained and installed Rev. John David Lands as pastor. Rev. Lands, affectionately known as “The Shepherd,” provided the spiritual leadership for the church and over 30 ministers were called to the ministry. Under his teaching, the church experienced rapid growth and after much work and planning, construction of the present sanctuary was begun on September 21, 1976. In 1980, a north wing was added that increased the seating capacity. Gloryland still had its eye on the future with the purchase of four acres of land located at 2912 Michelli Drive. The land, covered with pecan trees, large pavilion equipped with a barbeque pit, outdoor kitchen facility, picnic tables, spacious playground and basketball court is used for church functions and available for other events.

After the home going of Pastor Lands, two ministers served as shepherd of the flock prior to our present pastor, Rev. Shelton Charles Dixon from August 1, 1992 to January 29, 1996 and Rev. Clyde Lewis from August 1996 to August 1997.  Dr. Rayford Thomas Iglehart, Sr. was installed on October 10, 1999 as the pastor of Gloryland Baptist Church. Under his anointing and leadership, the vision of the church, through the Holy Spirit, is “Covering the World with God’s Glory.”

Gloryland Baptist Church is a beacon of light for the community and its outreach ministry.  Through our non-profit, the Gloryland Educational Resource Center, and other ministries within our church, we offer After School Tutoring, Food and Clothing Giveaway, Mission Assistance, Prison Ministry at Louisiana Training Institute, feeding at the Bishop Ott Shelter, and the Scholarship/Education Ministry.

The Gloryland Baptist Church Campus consists of four locations: The Administrative Offices/Theater of Performing Arts (2575 Michelli Drive); The 4-acre Recreational Park/Picnic Grounds (2912 Michelli Drive); The Community Outreach Center (6387 Choctaw Drive); and the Glory Center (6745 Greenwell Springs Road).

The church leadership is comprised of spirit-filled people that are leaders in their professions who are dedicated to the business of “Kingdom Building”.  The Gloryland Baptist Church is based on the New Testament pattern from the book of Acts where Jesus is Lord and the Holy Spirit is active.  We’re moving from Glory to Glory!