A Brief History of Century Bank

Gregory M. Luce, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a lumber man, land owner, mill operator, and pioneer citizen, is responsible for Lucedale being surveyed for a town site. In June, 1903, he organized the bank that was founded under the name of Bank of Lucedale.

Gregory Luce served as the first president of the bank from the date of charter until 1934, when he was elected Chairman of the Board. He continued in that capacity until his death in 1935. Succeeding the founder was his son Jex H. Luce, who held the office of president until his death in 1958. The line of succession was unbroken when his son Douglas T. Luce, Sr. moved up to become the bank's president. In 1958 Doug Luce, Sr. was elected Chairman of the Board and served until his death in 1997. The fourth generation is represented by Douglas T. Luce, Jr. who serves as the current President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

In 1903, the bank began doing business in a modest frame structure and in 1905, moved into its newly constructed two-story brick building; the first brick building in Lucedale which served as the banking house for 23 years. In 1928, celebrating its 25th anniversary, the institution moved to 100 Main Street. This location served as the banking house until 1988 when the main office moved to its present location at 4282 Main Street. In 1989 the bank opened a branch at Marketplace Shopping Center in Lucedale.

The Bank of Lucedale became a part of Jackson County in 1976 when it opened an office in Hurley, MS. In June, 1983, celebrating its 80th anniversary, the bank opened another office in Escatawpa, MS. The bank opened it's third Jackson County office in November, 1999, in Vancleave.

On January 4, 1999, after 95 years of dedicated service to the community, the Bank of Lucedale unveiled its vision for the new century - Century Bank. In keeping with tradition, Mr. Luce wanted the bank to continue experiencing strong growth. He continues to institute changes that will allow the bank to compete in today's ever-changing environment, including the addition of new branches in the Mobile, Alabama area. With the strong support of the stockholders, directors, officers, and employees, Century Bank is ready to embrace the new century.

The directors, officers and employees of Century Bank continue to uphold and maintain a legacy of civic-minded responsibility to the communities we serve. We invite you to become a part of our bank and experience the friendly attitude of our staff as they serve your financial needs with sincere pride in Century Bank and its heritage.