The Wall on Eatman Street
Stonewall Baptist Church, called simply "The Wall" by its members, sits on Eatman Street in Bossier City and has been part of Northwest Louisiana life for more than a century and a half. Its motto is "Serving with Passion," and the church describes itself as "a going church for the coming Christ" and "a transforming influence in the community," grounded in Matthew 25:13-14.
The history of Stonewall traces through a series of gathered spaces. Early worshippers met along the riverbank and under a brush arbor, then in a frame building called the Loom House, then in a small wooden building on a plantation known as "Chalk Levy," which today is Barksdale Air Force Base. The first brick sanctuary stood at 700 Hamilton Road. In 1975 the church bought raw property at the present address for thirty-five thousand dollars; the current sanctuary and Family Life Center were completed in August 1985. The leadership says that through every move, "our steps are orchestrated by God." The congregation marks a 155th church anniversary on its calendar.
Sunday Mornings at 807 Eatman
Sunday School gathers at 9:00 a.m., followed by the worship service at 10:00 a.m., each Sunday in the sanctuary at 807 Eatman Street. Services are also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook Live, with links on the church's "Watch Live" page. The church welcomes first-time guests with a simple invitation: "We extend an invitation to you and your family to share our services and join our church family if you don't have a church home in Bossier City/Shreveport area."
What the Church Believes
Stonewall Baptist holds to a classic Baptist confession of faith. God is described as the Creator and Ruler of the universe, eternally existing in three co-equal persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, died on a cross for the sins of all, rose again after three days, ascended to Heaven, and will return to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Bible is taught as God's word to all humanity, written under the supernatural direction of the Holy Spirit and regarded as the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and practice - "truth without any mixture of error." Salvation is a free gift received through faith in Jesus Christ; eternal life begins the moment a believer receives Christ. The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and Son, present in the world to make people aware of their need for Christ, indwelling every Christian from salvation, and providing power, understanding, and guidance for daily living.
The Church itself is defined as "a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, privileges vested in them by His Word." Stonewall also teaches eternal security, that those who believe are kept by the grace and power of God, and that humanity was made in God's image but is marred by an attitude of disobedience called sin, which separates people from God.
Pastor Uelyss "Buddy" Reed
Pastor Uelyss Reed Jr., known to his congregation as "Buddy," has led Stonewall Baptist since 1998, when, in the words of the church's history page, "as a gift of God, he was received at Stonewall Baptist Church." A native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, Reed accepted his calling to ministry in February 1981. In 1983 he organized and founded True Victory Baptist Church in North Pole, Alaska, where he served for sixteen years, including as President of the Sunday School Congress of the Greatland State Baptist Convention of Alaska, Vice President of the Fairbanks Ministerial Alliance Association, and Vice President of the Alaska Council of Churches.
Pastor Reed holds a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center's Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia, earned in 1993, graduating magna cum laude. The church notes that he is a "multi-talented individual" whose preaching and singing have taken him across the United States and abroad. He is married to his high school sweetheart Patricia, and they have one son, one daughter, and two grandchildren.
Seven Components of Ministry
Stonewall organizes its work around seven "components," each led by a coordinator who oversees related ministries. The framework is described as "ministering to the body wholistically."
- Physical, led by Terence Code, focuses on athletic programs as a vehicle to share faith and promote Christlike attitudes and sportsmanship.
- Educational, led by Emily Stanford, promotes ongoing spiritual and intellectual growth.
- Wellness Essentials, led by Troy Castro, cultivates care for body, mind, and spirit.
- Social, led by Latanya Brittentine, organizes community events and Christian fellowship.
- Financial, led by Lisa Mason, teaches biblical stewardship and financial future-building.
- Spiritual, led by Edgar Cain, focuses on preaching, teaching, outreach, and global missions.
- Political, led by Maxine Davis, promotes voter registration, political awareness, and informed civic engagement.
Hands and Feet: More Than Two Dozen Ministries
Beyond the seven components, Stonewall operates a wide range of ministries that touch every age and interest. Music Ministry, Media Ministry, and Greeters support the Sunday worship rhythm, while Sunday School Ministry supports the 9 a.m. hour.
Outreach and care include the Food Ministry, Community Garden Ministry, Caring Is Sharing Ministry, Sunshine Ministry, Health and First Aid Ministry, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, and the Champion Prayer Warrior program, a dedicated prayer effort with its own sign-up. The Deacon and Deaconess Ministries serve alongside the Brotherhood. Prison Ministry extends the church's reach beyond its walls, while S.W.A.T. (Soul Winning Action Team) leads visitation and evangelism. Mission Ministry looks outward globally, and the church runs Vacation Bible School each year, with registration on the Forms page.
Family-focused work is anchored by Family Ministry, Couples Ministry, and a Young Peoples Ministry for younger members. A Singles Ministry organizes gatherings like the annual Wicks and Candles event, and the church hosts an annual Women's Retreat.
Connected Year-Round
Beyond Sunday mornings, Stonewall Baptist keeps a full calendar that includes Family and Friends Day, a Veterans Day Dinner, Pink Sunday, a Gospel Bingo, a Health Fair, and the annual Pastoral Anniversary. The church livestreams services on YouTube and Facebook Live, posts to Instagram @sbc_thewall, and accepts giving online through Givelify. The church is part of a broader community partnership known as M-CDC.