This is about the first organized Calacasieu Parish was the Antiioch Baptist Church. Pg 123 Vol22,No.3 It was located near Edlgerly, La. It was founded by Joseph Willis on Oct. 21 1827 and celebtrated it's 160th anniversary in 1997. Other founders of the old church included: DURRY BUNCH, WILLIAM B. WEBORN, ELIZABETH GOWEN, MARTHA PERKINS, JINCY PERKINS, HARRIET NEYLAND, NANCY HAMPSHER, SARAH ASHWORTH, ANN BERRY,JESSE ASHWORTH AND PHYLLIS A. BLACKMON,. OTHER MENBERS OF THE CHURCH INCLUDED PIONEER FAMILES WHO SETTLED ON THE WEST SIDE OF LAKE CHARLES. The first church meetings were held in homes. Later the slaves of REES PERKINS< A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE CHURCH. LATER THE .CHURCH BUILT A LOG CABEN. JAMES W. BRYAN DONATED 14 ACERS OF LAND NEAR NEAR THE CHURCH FOR THE CEMETERY, WHICH WAS NAMED BIG WOODS CEMETERY .