First District Missionary Baptist Association
Established 1863
New Orleans, Louisiana
Dr. Samuel Gibbs, Jr., President
Rev. Byron Johnson, General Secretary
Welcome
Welcome to our website.
We are located in the great city of New Orleans, Louisiana and God has blessed us to serve this city, state, and nation since 1863. It is by God´s divine order that you have "clicked" on to this site. If your church is not a part of an Association in our city or state, please contact us and a representative will return your call.
"We Are A Network of Churches Seeking God First, Working Together,
and Witnessing to the World"
Matthew 6:33, 28:16-20
OUR FOUR-YEAR THEME
2024
The Great Commandments: Mark 12:28-34
Love God and Love Others
2025
Love: The Evidence of Discipleship -John 13:34-35
2026
The Church That Is Rooted and Grounded in Love Ephesians 3:14-19
2027
Love Never Ends -1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Christian Leadership School
FIRST DISTRICT MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Christian Leadership School 2026
October 5–8, 2026 • 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
On‑Site Congress Classes at St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church
Important Notice for Monday, October 5, 2026
Due to NFL Monday Night Football at the Caesars Superdome and the significant parking and traffic congestion expected in the surrounding area, all classes scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026, will be held virtually via Zoom.
On‑site classes will resume Tuesday–Thursday, October 6–8, at St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church.
A Time of Learning, Growth, and Christian Leadership
The District Missionary Baptist Association invites all pastors, leaders, teachers, and members to join us for three evenings of enriching Christian education. Our Congress classes are designed to strengthen biblical understanding, deepen ministry skills, and equip believers for effective service in the local church.
St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church
2130 Perdido Street • New Orleans, LA 70119
Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, Sr., Host Pastor
Registration
Individual Registration: $25 | Unlimited Church Registration: $200
Pre‑Registration Deadline: October 4, 2026
On‑Site Registration Opens: 5:00 P.M.
Courses Offered
Grow in biblical knowledge and ministry effectiveness through these dynamic courses:
Synoptic Gospels - Rev. Dr. Warren J. Ray, Jr. (Course 1075 • Phase 2)
Survey of Romans - Mr. Ronald J. Ray (Course 1089 • Phase 3)
Baptist Doctrine - Rev. Dr. Johmyrin Johnson (Course 2011 • Phase 1)
Organizing the Church for Christian Education -Rev. Dr. Calvin W. Woods, Jr. (Course 6013 • Phase 4)
Click here to download Registration Form
Laymen's Observance Day
The First District Laymen’s Department is committed to strengthening men in their walk with Christ and equipping them to serve faithfully in their homes, churches, and communities. Guided by our theme, “Men on a Mission for God,” we embrace Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20, answering the call to go, teach, and make disciples with courage and conviction.
We invite all men — and all who support men’s ministry — to join us as we grow together in faith, leadership, and service. Come be part of a mission that transforms lives and honors God.
A message from our youth director, Gabriella Cotton
I want to send a huge thank you to everyone who came out to the
youth meeting and choir rehearsal Saturday, July 11, 2026. ❤️
Thank you also to everyone who supported our fundraiser through donations and purchases. Your generosity and support mean so much, and the Youth Department truly appreciates each and every one of you.
We are grateful for your continued encouragement and commitment
InSide The District
Communications & Announcements from our Churches
If you need additional information regarding our communications and announcements listed below, please contact us at info@firstdistrictmba.org
Second Baptist Church 6th District
Pastoral Theatre’ Dinner: An Evening of Grace
Honoring Rev. Dr. Samuel Gibbs, Jr.
45th Pre‑Anniversary Celebration
Join us for a Pastoral Theatre’ Dinner — “An Evening of Grace” on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the P.W. Raphael Center,
4218 Laurel Street, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Tickets: $45.00
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
Honoring Rev. Dr. C. L. Franklin
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church joyfully celebrates 31 years of faithful, dedicated pastoral leadership from Rev. Dr. C. L. Franklin.
This year’s theme, “A Charge to Keep I Have, A God to Glorify,” calls us to reflect on the sacred responsibility of serving God with
devotion, integrity, and purpose.
Anchored in Philippians 1:23, we gather with grateful hearts to honor Pastor Franklin’s steadfast commitment to preaching, teaching, and shepherding God’s people.
Join us for this special celebration on
Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM
as we lift our voices in thanksgiving and give glory to God for all
He has done through this faithful servant.
Dr. Robert Turner, Sr. Living Legends 2026
Deacon Ronald Joseph Ray
Marion V. Gaines Posthumous
Marion V. Gaines Posthumous
June 2026
Deacon Ray is a member of the Second Free Mission Baptist Church
Dr. Warren J. Ray, Jr., Pastor
He is also the President of the First District Laymen's Department
Marion V. Gaines Posthumous
Marion V. Gaines Posthumous
Marion V. Gaines Posthumous
August 2026
Progressive Baptist Church
Dr. Johnmyrin Johnson, Pastor
Dr. Willie Gable, Jr., Pastor Emeritus