Our Story

A Legacy of Cooperation

On September 16, 1986, faith leaders from across the Baton Rouge community came together to form the Greater Baton Rouge Federation of Churches and Synagogues. The Federation is one of the oldest interfaith organizations in the nation, and is one of only a few in a city in the Deep South.

From its inception, the Federation has been about bringing people together – we build relationships among people of diverse cultures and faith traditions, breaking down barriers of misunderstanding through dialogue, education, shared meals and service.

Here are some highlights from the history of the Federation:

Organization founded on Sept. 16 at a meeting at B’nai Israel Synagogue.

Holy Grill feeding ministry established in Zion City neighborhood

First Annual Prayer Breakfast held on May 11.

First Community Concert held on May 16 at the Centroplex Theater (now River Center). The concert has been held annually except during the pandemic.

Name changed to Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge in an effort to embrace more diverse faith traditions in the area.

Executive Directors

Rev. Jeff Day (1986-2006)
Margaret Johnson (2006-2008)
Rev. Robin McCullough-Bade (2009-2021)
Jon Parks (2022-present)

Presidents

Dr. Cecil G. Taylor (1985-86, Interim Board of Directors)
Claude Kirkpatrick (1986-87)
Rev. James M. Coleman (1988)
Frank McArthur (1989)
Rev. J. Philip Woodland (1990, 2002)
Rev. Charles T. Smith (1991)
William F. Staats, PhD (1992)
Dr. Carl Frantz (1993)
E.L. Henry (1994)
Willie C. Johnson (1995)
Rev. Ralph F. Howe, Jr. (1996)
Bette Levine (1997)
Mari Shaffer Robillard (1998)
Thomas Sylvest, Jr. (1999)

Rev. Fred Jeff Smith (2000)
Dr. Victor E. Sachse (2001)
Dr. Leodrey Williams (2003)
Rev. Amy Mercer (2004)
Joyce W. Robinson (2005-2006)
Genny Nadler Thomas (2007-2008)
Rev. Clint Mitchell (2009-2010)
Dr. Jamie Strickler (2011-2012)
Rev. Freddie Henderson (2013) 
Rev. Linda Reed (2013-2014)
Rev. Dr. David Chisham (2015-2016)
Dr. Rebecca Cureau (2017-2018)
Niloufer Mohamed (2019-2020)
Darrell Moses (2021-2022)
Joshua Poole (2022-present)

 

find us

3112 Convention St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Call us

(225) 267-5600

Hours

Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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