Methodist circuit riders began venturing into "Lower Vermilion" preaching places in the 1830's. By 1850, the Annual Conference Missionary Apportionments had designated $50 to start a Vermilion Circuit. Traveling ministers would serve the Abbeville area, including churches at Perry's Bridge and Prairie Gregg) through the 1850's. Although the first minister, John S. Davies, was appointed to "Abbeville" in 1860, the church wasn't officially organized until 1869. In that year, Dr. William D. White built a two story building to be used as a Methodist church and as a Masonic Lodge. Before the first parsonage was built (in 1884), the ministers stayed at Dr. White's private home. Recognizing the need for a larger building, a larger lot was bought in 1882 from Jean Boyance at the corner of State and St. Victor Streets. Under the leadership of Rev. Alfred E. Clay, a white, wood-framed church was built two years later. As Abbeville grew, it became the "home church" for the appointed minister, who also served other area churches. In 1934, the members of Perry's Bridge and Prairie Gregg merged with the congregation of Abbeville. In 1944, a lot on the corner of State and Vermilion Streets was purchased. Construction of a new church began in 1947 under the direction of Rev. E.W. Day. Although services began in the sanctuary in 1948, the church wasn't officially dedicated until May 6, 1951. A home (on the corner of North Washington and Vermilion) was bought and remodeled for use as the new parsonage. The dedication for the parsonage was held on January 5, 1964. The old parsonage was used to hold Sunday School classes until it was torn down to make room for a new educational building. The educational building was completed in 1966 and dedicated on February 4, 1973. Besides serving the Abbeville congregation, the Abbeville charge also includes the Pecan Island UMC. SOURCE: History of the Abbeville Methodist Church, Stella M. Williams
|
