Rev. B. A. Spell of Life Tabernacle Inducted Into Ministerial Hall of Fame, Awarded ThD

 Bishop B. A. Spell has completed 66 years in the ministry, beginning in Pine Prairie, LA, in 1953, then to Turkey Creek and Port Allen, before finally settling in North Baton Rouge and Central a little more than 50 years ago.

On Tuesday, he was honored at Life Tabernacle Church on Hooper Road. Friends and pastors from across the state gathered to pay homage. He heard many tributes and was inducted into the Ministerial Hall of Fame and presented a Doctor of Theology from Life College. Dr. Gary W. Garrett of the Ministerial Hall of Fame in Joplin, MO, paid tribute to Rev. Spell:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 

AWARD

Tonight, we present to Bishop B. A. Spell, the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. A lifetime achievement award is based on many accomplishments that take place over the course of many years of hard work and determination. When you think about B.A. Spell, and all that he has accomplished in his lifetime, you can understand why he is deserving of this prestigious award.

It would be remiss of us if we failed to mention what brought us to this decision tonight.

Nothing came easy for B. A. Spell. He worked hard and diligently from the very beginning…Ups and downs, set-backs, delays, and denials, were some of the many obstacles, which he had to overcome in order to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sixty-three years of ministry have proven to be enough experience for him to earn the title, The Prince of Preachers. As we look tonight at his many accomplishments, let’s not forget that there was a strong woman that stood by his side every step of the way. And without Dorothy Spell, he would not have been complete. For every setback and every victory, they worked together to see it through.

Bervick Atwood Spell was born on January 7, 1930, in the small town of Abbeville, Louisiana, to Tony and Floy Spell. In 1939, at the age of nine, Bervick was baptized in Jesus’ Name, and was filled with the Holy Ghost. His home church was the United Pentecostal Church in Richie, Louisiana, and his first pastor was Bro. Henry Dunn.

At the age of nine he first met a young eight-year-old girl named Dorothy Brown. They went to church together, played together, and fought as children, but on June 22, 1947, B. A. Spell and Dorothy Brown were united in holy matrimony. To this union was born seven children.

In 1950, Bro Spell went into business as a part owner/manager of the Piggly Wiggly store in Eunice, Louisiana, where he worked until 1953.

In 1953, at the age of 23 he received his call to preach. His first sermon was from the book of Isaiah, where the prophet said, “Here Am I, Send Me.” This historical occasion took place in Church Point, Louisiana.

In 1954, he was ordained by Bro. S. L. Wise at Tioga, Louisiana. It was also during this same year that he became affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church.

The first church that he pastored was the First Pentecostal Church in Pine Prairie, Louisiana. He took the church in 1953 and stayed one year.

The second church he pastored was the First Pentecostal Church in Turkey Creek, Louisiana. He held this position for five years, from 1954 until 1959. 

In 1954, a great revival took place. Many souls were won to the Lord, including the Mayor and his entire family. Ever the businessman, in 1955, Brother Spell opened his first dress shop in Turkey Creek. Two more stores would soon follow. One in Mamou and one in Ville Platte, Louisiana. In 1956 he opened a Dairy Queen and the Turkey Creek Super Market. In 1957, he opened a clothing store in Lecompte, Louisiana.

On November 1, 1959, he moved his family to West Baton Rouge, Louisiana and started the First Pentecostal Church in Port Allen. This was a home missions outreach. He began services in an old store-front building on Rosedale and 12th.

In 1960, Brother Spell opened his first Christian Bookstore in Port Allen, called “Lifeway Book and Gift.” He went on to own and operate nine stores. The largest one was opened in 1965 in Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge. That same year he was elected the first President of the Merchants Association.

In 1965, a tremendous revival broke out as a young evangelist named Verbal Bean came to Port Allen with a burden for souls on his heart. Brother bean felt like God was going to give him a 100-soul revival, but he had no confirmation as to where it would take place.

When the confirmation came that Port Allen was the place, God began to move. It was a mighty revival that lasted for 14 weeks. During this time 106 people received the Holy Ghost. In 1968, the church purchased 10 acres on Plank 

Road and built a new sanctuary and Sunday School Department. 

The same year (1968) construction was started on Robert Livingston Academy. The school was fully accredited with grades 1-12. The inaugural year was 1970 with enrollment of 430 students. The school remained open until 1978. Brother Spell taught Bible and Business classes. Several graduates went on to become prominent doctors and lawyers, while others became successful in the business world.

From 1970 until 1972, the church experienced a series of revivals, and the congregation doubled in size. In 1979, a new spacious 1200 seat sanctuary called “The Prayer Garden” was built. In 1985 another sanctuary was built.

Around the year 2000, a series of buildings were constructed on the Plank Road property that would house several business entities such as: “Lighthouse Christian Book and Gift Outlet” which was the largest Christian bookstore in the South. Also, a furniture store was built, along with a spacious gymnasium, and dormitories for youth camp.

In 2005, ten acres was purchased on Hooper and Blackwater roads. In 2006 a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of the sanctuary where we are tonight.

1968 was the beginning of an annual July camp-meeting held at Life Tabernacle. Brother Bill Buie was the first camp evangelist for this historical occasion. Also, in 1968, Brother Spell became a charter member in the formation of the Apostolic Minister’s Fellowship (AMF). In 1970 he was elected to serve as the General Secretary. Other positions he held in the AMF were, Foreign Missions Director, and General Chairman of which he served three terms.

In 2018, his Autobiography titled, “Spellbound” was published.

Several hundred of his sermons are preserved at the Apostolic Archives International in Joplin, MO.

Also, have many of his personal belongings on display at Heritage Museum.

When you think about Apostolic-Pentecost, you must think about B.A. Spell. He is a “Living Legend” throughout the Oneness movement.

And tonight, we honor him with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other speakers included Central City News editor Woody Jenkins who told of his work with Bishop Spell in the mission field.

Click the QR Code above to watch a video of the event.