James A. Herod home in Abbeville restored by Nehemiah Projects

It’s fascinating to think that many people know the name “James A. Herod” because of a school in Abbeville, but very few are aware of the significant impact that Rev. James A. Herod had on education, particularly in the black community of Abbeville.
Thankfully, Pastor Walter August, an Abbeville native and current pastor in Houston, is changing that.
With the help of the Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana, more and more Abbeville citizens are learning about the remarkable life and legacy of Rev. James A. Herod than ever before.
It’s remarkable to think that Rev. Herod passed away in 1948 at the ripe old age of 88 years old, but his influence still reverberates today.
Rev. James A. Herod and his wife, Josephine Robinson Herod, were both passionate educators who wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.
Rev. Herod served as the second pastor at St. Mary Congregational Church in Abbeville, which also happened to be the first building where he taught.
In 1955, a new school facility for first through 12th graders was built on Martin Luther King Drive and named James A. Herod High School in honor of Rev. Herod’s contributions to education in the region.
Then, in 1991, when the old African-American high school closed, the school board renamed East Abbeville Elementary to James A. Herod Elementary as a way to continue honoring Rev. Herod’s legacy.
This past Friday, Pastor August, members of the Nehemiah Projects, and city and parish officials gathered together to open a new residential museum that’s dedicated to Rev. James A. Herod.
The museum is located at the Abbeville house where Rev. Herod and his wife lived in the early 1900s. This 100-year-old wooden house has been beautifully restored and is situated at 601 East St. Victor, just near the Abbeville library.
During the ceremony, Pastor August shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful project, saying, “Out of all of the things I am a part of in Abbeville, this is the most significant thing I can ever do as a contribution back to the city. I am grateful.”
He also reflected on Rev. Herod’s remarkable story, noting that he attended James A. Herod High School and had seen Rev. Herod’s name countless times, but didn’t know who he was until a few years ago.
The Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana completed the renovations of Rev. James A. Herod’s former home, and that artifacts from town history that Rev. Herod himself created are now lining the walls in memory of a truly remarkable man.
Rev. Herod journeyed down to Louisiana many years ago, where he met an Abbeville woman and settled in the community with a mission to empower individuals through preaching and teaching. This would become his enduring legacy.
According to the Vermilion Parish archives, Rev. James A. Herod was a well-respected figure who was known as the Father of African-American Education.
He devoted his life to teaching and ministering to African American students in Vermilion Parish, working tirelessly to create a sense of pride and equality throughout public education. It’s clear that his contributions to the community and to education have left a lasting impact that continues to inspire and uplift individuals to this day.
Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White noted that it’s high time to celebrate all of the cultures and history within the community. She, like many others, attended Herod in elementary school, but had no idea just how much Rev. James A. Herod had impacted education in the city.
During the museum’s opening ceremony, three graduates of Herod High School took a walk down memory lane as they thumbed through the 1954 yearbook and reminisced on their wonderful times in school. It’s clear that Rev. Herod’s legacy continues to inspire and connect individuals from all walks of life.
Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Tommy Byler also shared some news, noting that James A. Elementary School students in Abbeville will soon have the opportunity to go on field trips to the James A. Herod Residential Museum.
If you’re interested in learning more about Rev. James A. Herod, taking a tour of the Herod House, or dedicating a brick to build the Legacy Walk in honor of those who attended a Herod school, taught at a Herod school, or were impacted by the life of Rev. Herod, be sure to visit the website www.thenpai.org, email l.trahan@thenpai.org, or call the Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana office at 337-740-6724. Do note that tours require 24-48 hours notice to plan the best possible experience, and some restrictions may apply.
Lastly, Pastor August shared some poignant words about Rev. Herod’s legacy, noting that his name, family, and history will never be buried again. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Rev. Herod’s contributions to the community, particularly for black men who came to Vermilion Parish.
“When comparing apples to apples, no one has had the same impact on African Americans like Rev. James A. Herod did,” said Pastor August.