City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Houma 120 Hialeah Ave.  66  1939

 In 1917, Ella Hooper and Laura White were appointed to the Houma area and
started a Wesley House.  In a few years, their efforts developed into the MacDonnell
School.  Each Sunday, the ladies would walk the children across town to the Houma
Methodist Church.  As time passed, a chapel was built at MacDonnell.  As Houma was
growing around that area, it was determined that a church should be built to serve the
school and the east side of Houma. 
 In 1938, a pastor (Oakley Lee) was appointed to MacDonnell.  Soon after, on May
21, 1939, Houma Heights Methodist Church held its official opening.  The original
church was built at the rear of the school property and included the staff and pupils in its
ministry.  It was finally completed in the spring of 1942 under Rev. M.S. Robertson.  By
1950, there were 41 active members in the church.  Ten years later, the membership had
risen to 135.  Over the years, the pastor at Houma Heights would often serve other areas,
such as Dulac and Gibson.
 In the 1960's, property was bought on Hialeah Ave., about 2 miles from the
school.  A new church was soon constructed. 

SOURCE:     Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy Hebert

How to Get There:     Travel through Houma on Main St. until
you cross the Intercoastal Canal.  Turn right onto Grand Caillou.
Go down Grand Caillou for a little over a mile.  Turn right on
Hialeah Ave. (there's a sign at the corner).  The church is a
couple of hundred yards down on your right.
 

Wesley United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Houma 500 Canal St.  49  1866

 The Wesley United Methodist Church began as a branch of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, North in 1866.  After the Civil War, Rev. R.K. Diossy was appointed
to this area by the Methodist Episcopal Church, North.  Since Louisiana Methodism had
always been in the southern branch of the church, it was his task to start churches under
the northern branch.  Under his leadership, property was purchased on the corner of
Canal and Wood Streets and a church was built.  The first pastor was William Murrell,
who also served the Thibodaux church that Rev. Diossy had begun.  By the end of 1866,
there were 340 members in Thibodaux and Houma, and both churches had been
completed.
 In 1889, the original church was replaced by a white frame steepled church with
colored glass windows.  The size of the church property increased when the Evening Star
Lodge #1 donated an adjacent piece of land.  The 1889 church stood for 80 years.  Due to
the effects of time and Hurricane Betsy (1965), the church was torn down and replaced
with the present building.
 The new church was constructed in 1970 under the leadership of Pastor Henry
Gage.  During construction, members worshipped with the Mount Vernon UMC in Gray,
LA.  Consecration services were held for the new church in June 1970.  The mortgage
note was burned on Dec. 12, 1976.

SOURCE:     Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy Hebert

How to Get There:     Heading into Houma on Hwy 24 (which 
turns into Main St.).  As you get to the downtown area, take a 
right on Canal St.  The church is about 4 blocks down on your left.
 

Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Gray 101 Gray St.  54  1887

 In 1887, a piece of R.R. Barrow's Batey Plantation was purchased and a small
church was built.  The area, then known as Bateville, is now called Gray.  The first
appointment to the church occurred in 1890, when H.J. Wright (of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, North) was appointed to serve Schriever and "Beattieville."  The
congregation was formally organized as the Mt. Vernon Methodist Church and was
incorporated in 1906.
 The original church stood until 1909, when it was destroyed by a storm.  A new
church was built the following year by Dave Brown under the leadership of Rev. J.B.
Wilson.  In 1924, disaster struck again when another storm destroyed the 1910 church. 
Once again, a new church was constructed by Dave Brown.  In recent times, the church
has been remodeled and the exterior has been bricked.

SOURCES:     History of Mt. Vernon U.M.C.; Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy
Hebert

How to Get There:     About midway between Thibodaux and
Houma on Hwy 24 you will find the community of Gray.  The 
church can be seen on the west side of the Hwy at Gray St.
 
 

Centenary United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Rayne 308 N. Parkerson St.  99  1884

 In the early 1880's, the widow of Dr. W.H. Cunningham donated a city block to
the Methodist Church.  In 1883, an Opelousas District  Quarterly Conference was held by
the Kimball Chapel (Indian Bayou) and Plaquemine Brulee (Branch) churches.  Led by
the Presiding Elder, Rev. Christian Keener, a resolution for the construction of a church
in Rayne was adopted.  Construction of the new church began the following year, in
1884.  Bishop Keener (Christian's father) later presided at the dedication.  The church
was named "Centenary" because it was built on the 100th anniversary of the
establishment of the Methodist Church in America. 
 A Sunday School and a Women's Parsonage and Home Mission Society were
soon established.  In 1919, a building (known as the "Hut") was constructed under the
leadership of Rev. E.C. Gunn.  The building served as a meeting place for the church's
organizations, including the Men's Bible Class.  A new parsonage was built in 1951 and
dedicated four years later.
 The history of the Centenary Church was recorded by Mrs. W.F. Johnston (1924)
and again by Mrs. H.A. MacDonald (1955).

SOURCE:     James M. Cunningham, Centenary United Methodist Church

How to Get There:     Take the Rayne exit off of Hwy 10 and head 
south (into the city).  After about a mile, turn left off of Clegg onto 
Lessley.  Head east for 3 blocks and then turn right.  The church
will be 1/2 block down on your left.
 

St. Paul United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Jeanerette 1401 Annie Moore Dr.  156
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take the Hubertville Rd. exit off of Hwy 90.
Head north to Hwy 182 and then turn right into Jeanerette.  After
a little over a mile, take a right onto Minville Blvd.  Drive for 1/3 mile
till you cross the RR tracks.  Turn right onto Annie Moor Dr. 
(Railroad Ave.) and you will see the church on your left.
 
 

Fitzgerald United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Verdunville Verdun Lane  25  1893

 The Methodists in Verdunville started attending the Butler's Methodist Church in
Centerville.  There came a time when they decided to build their own church.  So, they
bought a parcel of land and ordered the lumber.  When when the lumber arrived, by barge
at Shed Sutton's landing in Verdunville, the barges sunk in Bayou Teche.  The men and
women waded into the bayou and salvaged the lumber for their church.  The building was
completed on December 24, 1893. 
 In 1928, under the leadership of Rev. McCain, a larger building was constructed. 
Some of the lumber from the original 1893 church was used.  This church is still in use
today.

SOURCE:     Helen Jones, Fitzgerald United Methodist Church

How to Get There:     From Hwy 90, take the Centerville exit. 
When you get to Hwy 182, turn right and go 1.5 miles to 
Verdun Lane.  Take a right and the church will be 1/2 mile 
down on your left.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Freetown Hwy 83  25 
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How  to Get There:     From Hwy 90, take the Glencoe exit south
to Hwy 83.  Go into Glencoe and you will see a road veer
to the left and cross RR tracks.  Go down 1.35 miles and you 
will come to the church.

St. Peter United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Jeanerette 994 St. Peter Street  246  1870

 On October 12, 1870, property was purchased from Mrs. Carolie Larenoudie for
$144.  The first pastor was Rev. Addison Moore and services were held in an old log
cabin.  Rev. Moore and many of the early members were former slaves.  In 1871, a wood
frame church was built.  This original church was destroyed in 1914 by a wind storm, so
a new one was built under the direction of Rev. W.H. Hampton.  During this time, the
church was used as a school and as a meeting place for a Benevolent Society.
 Disaster struck again in 1934 when another storm completely demolished the
1914 church.  Utilizing a tent and nearby St. Paul Methodist Church, the St. Peter
congregation continued to meet.  Under the leadership of Rev. T.E. McElroy, a new
wood frame church was constructed in 1935.  During this era, two members ... King
Alexander and Marshall Wesley ... were called into the ministry.
 In the 1970's, the church was renovated inside and out.  The front style was
changed and the church was bricked.  The present cornerstone is a replacement of the
one from 1871-1935 that had been accidentally broken.

SOURCE:     St. Peter United Methodist Church  - A Historical Sketch

How to Get There:     Take the Jeanerette exit off of Hwy 90. 
When you get into town, turn right on Main St. (Hwy 182).  On
the east side of town, turn right onto St. Peter St.  After about
a mile, you will see the church on your right.
 

Mallalieu United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 St. Martinville 121 W. Hyacinth St.  107  1867

 In 1867, Rev. R.K. Diossy, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North, purchased
a lot at the corner of Theater and Hyacinth Streets for $125.   The church, called Bryant
Chapel, was named after its first pastor, Rev. J.M. Bryant.  It was later renamed
Mallalieu Methodist Church.  The cemetery grounds were purchased from the St. Martin
Parish Police Jury in 1876 for $51. 
 On April 17, 1880, a piece of property (one block from the original church) was
purchased from Mr. Monroe Baker for $150.  The church was moved to the new site, and
the old church property was sold to Mr. Andrew Patterson for $100.  The pastor at this
time was Rev. John Sparks.  In 1909, the church was rebuilt under the leadership of Rev.
Emmerson Hutchien.
 In 1965, the church was severely damaged by a hurricane.  While the church was
being rebuilt, the Mallalieu congregation worshipped with the St. Vincent Methodist
Church in Cade, Louisiana.  When the Mallalieu church was completed in 1968, the St.
Vincent congregation decided to merge with the Mallalieu congregation.  The pastor at
this time was Rev. William R. London.  On May 8, 1987, the church hall was dedicated
in his memory.

SOURCE:     Mallalieu U.M.C. History

How to Get There:     Take the St. Martinville exit off of Hwy 90.
Take Hwy 96 into town.  Turn right onto Main St. (Hwy 31).  After
about 6 blocks, you will turn right onto Hyacinth St.  You will see
the church on your left.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Jeanerette 5612 E. Old Spanish Trail  36 1888; 1893*

 In 1888, the people of the Olivier community built a church of Love, Spiritual
Guidance, and Blessing.  Their first pastor was Rev. Stephen Tillman.  Five years later,
the Mt. Zion Methodist Church was re-erected.  This church was replaced in 1911 when a
new building was erected under the leadership of Rev. A.J. Smith.  That church still
stands today.

* Although there was preaching going on in 1888, the church wasn't formally built until
1893.

SOURCE:     History - Mt. Zion United Methodist Church

How to Get There:     Take the Hubertville Rd. exit into
Jeanerette.  Turn left on Hwy 182.  After several miles,
you will see the church on your left.

Krotz Springs United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Krotz Springs 411 Frederick  14
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Turn south onto Florida St. off of 
Hwy 190 at Krotz Springs.  The fourth street on your right 
will be Frederick. Turn right and you will see the church 
on your right after about 250 yards.

Wilson Memorial United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lottie 5828 Hwy 81 E  19
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 190 to Lottie.  Turn south onto
Hwy 81 and cross the RR tracks.  Turn right on Old State Hwy.
Take a left on Main St. and you will see the church immediately
to your right.
 
 

Church of the Covenant U. M. Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lafayette 300 E. Martial Ave.  288  1961

 In 1961, 22 people formed a small church on Beadle Road.  They built a small
"A-frame" wooden building and named it Ivanhoe Methodist Church, after a nearby
subdivision.  The first pastor of the church was Rev. Harold Hines.  A small building was
later purchased and moved onto the property to serve as an educational building. 
 By 1974, the membership had grown to 74.  In 1975, part of the educational
building was renovated to serve as a sanctuary with a capacity for 100 persons.  An early
learning center (called the Kiddie Patch Nursery School) was begun that same year.
 In 1977, a 6.2 acre site on Martial Avenue was purchased by the Louisiana
Conference.  The Ivanhoe Church, now under the leadership of Rev. Peter Harrington,
was renamed The Church of the Covenant.  The ground breaking for the new church was
held on April 15, 1979.  The eduational building was completed by June 1979 and was
used as the temporary sanctuary.  The sanctuary was completed in December of 1979. 
Several fixtures of the church, such as the cross, altar, pulpit, and lectern, were hand
sculpted by Mr. R.J. Bernard.
 In 1981, the Early Learning Center was established.  Seeing the need for more
classroom space, Mrs. Grace Holley donated the money to build another educational
building.  Construction was begun on September 1, 1986 and the building was dedicated
on February 15, 1987.  Using money from memorials and special gifts, a steeple was
purchased and installed on December 21, 1988. 

SOURCE:     Sudie Lewis

How to Get There:     At the south end of Lafayette, turn west 
onto Kalist Saloom Rd.  Travel several miles until you get to
Martial Avenue.  Take a left and you will see the church about
1/2 mile down to your right.

First United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lafayette 703 Lee Ave.  748  1858

 In 1858, the Methodist Church of Lafayette was built on South Washington
Street.  It was a wood frame building with a tall steeple.  It served the congregation until
the membership outgrew it.  The need for a larger structure became clear during the
tenure of Rev. Harry Rickey (1917-1921).  Rev. Leon McCain followed Rev. Rickey and
continued the effort.  After years of campaigns, fund-raisers, and prayer services, the goal
was finally reached.  In 1925, a new brick structure was built at the corner of Lee and
Main Streets.  The membership at that time stood at 380 and the Sunday School
enrollment was 300.
 The depression was hard on the church.  Money was so scarce, the bond-holding
company threatened forclosure.  Leaders of the church got together and were able to
avoid disaster.  A new zeal surfaced for paying off the debt.  Even people of other
denominations helped out.  So by 1941, the debt had been paid and the church was
dedicated.
 Through the years, many renovations and improvements have been accomplished. 
A parsonage was built on the church lawn.  Over the years, two segments of the
congregation have separated and formed their own congregations: the Davidson
Memorial Church and Asbury Church.

SOURCE:     A Brief History of the First Methodist Church of Lafayette, by Dr. Grace
Agate

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 167 (from the north) or Hwy 90
(from the south) into Lafayette.  Turn west onto Johnston St.
After about a mile, you will turn right onto Main St.  The church 
will be on your left.

Immanuel United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lafayette 200 12th St.  82

 The Immanuel congregation is currently using the building that used to be the
Mallalieu Church. 
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Heading south into Lafayette on Hwy 167
(Evangeline Thruway), turn left on 12th St.  The church is
one block down on your right.  Heading north into Lafayette on
Hwy 90, you will see the church on your right when you get to
12th St.

Northwood United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lafayette 610 E. Butcher Switch Rd.  167
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take the Gloria Switch Rd. exit off of 
Hwy 49 a few miles north of Lafayette.  Heading east, you
will shortly come to Moss St.  Take a right and the church 
will be up ahead on the left.

Lydia United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lydia Freyou Rd.  56  1894

 The Lydia UMC began as the "Isle aux Cannes" Methodist Church on September
16, 1894.  Meetings were held in Toussaint Duplantis' home until 1898.  A small parcel
of land was purchased from Edmund Richards at that time for $50.  The original
founding families were the Duplantises, the Broussards, the Charpentiers, the Princes, the
Henris, the Vaughns, and the Landrys.  A church was built shortly thereafter.  It was
painted white and had a very high steeple.  The inside was never finished and the
congregation sat on chairs.  A parsonage was built in 1901.  In 1909, a hurricane
destroyed the church.  A smaller building was then built.  The interior of the second
church wasn't finished until Rev. A.D. Martin's pastorate in the 1920's.  Eighteen 8 foot
pews (costing $1.75 each) were made for the church.  An old chimney was donated,
dismantled and used to build the church steps.
 When Rev. Martin was succeeded by his cousin, Rev. A.M. Martin, the Lydia
Church was on the same circuit as the Weeks Island and Pecan Island Churches.  At one
point, services were also held at Oaklawn Plantation, also.  The average attendance at
Lydia in 1924 was 25 at worship and 20 at Sunday School.  The pastor's salary was $300
($125 from Lydia, $125 from Weeks Island, $90 from Pecan Island).  A parsonage was
used in the late 20's.  But in 1933, it was dismantled and used to build a parsonage in
Jeanerette. 
 Membership rose in the 1940's when Brother Pierson switched from French to
English services and held weekly services.  On October 3, 1964, hurricane Hilda
destroyed the second church.  It was rebuilt within a year under Rev. Cansler.  The roof
sustained damage by a hurricane in 1992, but it was repaired.  The congregation still
continued to increase and an adult Sunday School program was added.
 In 1969, the Weeks Island Church merged with the Lydia Church.  The actual
Weeks Island church building was moved behind the Lydia church in 1970 and was used
as an educational building.  The building  has since deteriorated and is not being used.

SOURCE:     Lydia United Methodist Church History

How to Get There:     From Hwy 90, take Hwy 83 south out of 
New Iberia.  After several miles.  You will see the church on 
your left when you get to the town of Lydia.

Mathews Memorial United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Mathews 201 Central Lafourche  83
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Head south on Hwy 1 past Raceland.
If you are on Hwy 90, turn south onto Hwy 1 at the Raceland/
Mathews exit.  When you get to the town of Mathews, take a
right at Central Lafourche Dr. (there's a UM sign at the corner).
The church is about 1/2 mile down on the left.

Bayou Blue United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Bayou Blue Lake Long  238  1907

 In 1899, a group of people formed the Spiritualist Society of Bayou Blue.  The
first services were held in a hay barn.  When Rev. Martin Hebert came to town in 1907
and began preaching, the Society found that their views coincided with Methodism.  The
entire congregation of 60+ members joined the Methodist Church that year.  The church
was served by local pastors, such as Robert Martin, and the Houma pastor.  Over the next
decade, the church was destroyed twice by hurricanes; but each time it was rebuilt.  A
brick church was later constructed.  In recent years, property was obtained on Lake Long
and a new, larger church was built.

SOURCE:     Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy Hebert

How to Get There:     About 6 miles east of Houma on Hwy 90,
you will turn east onto Hwy 316 (Bayou Blue).  You will drive on 
this road for several miles.  When you get to Lake Long (Hwy 656), 
turn left.  The church is up ahead on your left.

Palmetto United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Palmetto Taylor St.  30  1905

 In 1905, a group of local families joined together to purchase 3 small parcels of
property.  Upon this land, the first church of the community was constructed.  The
trustees at that time were Robert G. Hawkins, John Beard, Robert L. Hawkins, George
McDaniel, and Alvin Deloach.  The purchase price was 3 dollars.  It was stipulated in the
deal that no part of the land was to be used for burial purposes.  The land was purchased
from Sallie Hawkins, Mary Stokes, and Robert Lee Hawkins.  Shortly thereafter, a church
was built on the property.  The building faced Church St. (now Carrie Mac St., named
after a devoted worker in the Methodist Church).  It was a single room, shotgun style
structure with windows on the west and east walls.  It also had a church bell.  Guest
pastors held services from 1905 to 1914.  The first appointed pastor to the church was
Rev. J.P. Porter (1914-15).  The next pastors were Rev. Montgomery (1915-17), Rev.
W.B. Vandenberg (1917-18), Rev. A.J. Martin (1918-19), Rev. C.W. Lahey (served 8
years), Rev. R.T. Picket (1930-32), Rev. G.S. Lipscomb (1932-36), Rev. C.B. Powell
(1936-43).  The membership roll during this period was about 120.  In 1943, the
congregation wanted to build a larger church, so they traded the church property for a
new parcel of land owned by James A. Neal.  The old church was dismantled and used in
the building of the new church.  The new church, which faced Taylor St., was 30 ft. by 70
ft. with a steeple (which contained the church bell).  Sunday School rooms were on each
side of the foyer.  The fellowship hall was separated from the other end of the sanctuary
by a partition wall.  The pine pews were built by members of the church. 
 In 1960, the church was repaired.  This included taking the steeple down and
placing the bell on a steel frame in the church yard.  The foyer and 2 Sunday School
rooms were removed to enlarge the sanctuary.  In 1985, vinyl siding was added.  In 1987,
the sanctuary was carpeted.  In 1990, new pews and altar furniture were purchased and a
small kitchen area was added.  In 1993, the parking lot was paved.
 The church parsonage was built in the late 1950's.  The brick structure serves as
home and office and is shared by the Palmetto and Melville churches.

SOURCE:     Harold Taylor, Mayor of Palmetto

How to Get There:     Upon entering the small town of Palmetto,
you will notice the RR tracks running on the north side of the road.
Look for the Peoples Moss Gin across the tracks to the north.
Turn south at the street (Taylor St.) that runs south on the opposite
side of the Gin.  You should see a UM sign there.  The church is
on the southeast corner after one block.

Melville United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Melville 1st & Payton  61  1886

 The Melville charge first appears in the 1887 Louisiana Conference Journal,
when Jeptha Landrum (who is buried in the cemetery) was appointed to serve the area. 
He had organized the Melville Methodist Church on November 15, 1886 with 36
members.  On April 19, 1887, property on the corner of First and Payton Streets was
obtained and the first church was built.  After the church was destroyed by a storm, a
second church was constructed in 1894 by J.S. Burgess.  It was 32 by 50 feet in size with
a tower 44 feet high.  Wood from the original church was used in the construction. 
 The 1894 church served until October 2, 1949, when the last service was held
there.  It was torn down to make room for a new, larger church.  While construction took
place, services were held in the Melville High School Gym.  The minister at that time
was Rev. Sam Lantrip.  The congregation concentrated on raising funds for the new
building.  They sold dinners, wrote letters asking for donations, and had many other
fund-raisers.  The building was finally completed.  The stained glass windows behind the
pulpit are from the original church building.
 The original parsonage was replaced in 1959 under the leadership of Rev. O.L.
Golson.  The new parsonage is located behind the church. 

SOURCE:     Ruth Hebert, Melville United Methodist Church

How to Get There:     From Hwy 190, turn north onto Hwy 105.
You will get to Melville after about 11 miles.  When you get 
into town, turn right onto State Hwy 10 (LaFleur).  After 1/4 mile,
turn north onto Landrum (Hwy 105).  You will pass under RR
tracks.  After 2 blocks, turn left onto First St.  At the corner of
First and Payton (two blocks down), you will see the church
on your right.

Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Morgan City 517 Federal Ave.  459 1860; 1878*

 When the Patterson(ville) church was formed in the mid 1800's, its pastor made
trips to Morgan City to hold services.  A congregation in Morgan City had developed by
1860 and was meeting with other Protestants in a church/school building erected by the
town.  By 1875, a minister (Rev. A.E. Clay) was appointed to serve the Morgan City and
Berwick areas.  The Methodist Episcopal Church, South purchased a lot (No. 8, Square
15) for $150.50.  The cornerstone for Pharr Chapel was laid on April 4, 1878. 
 The first parsonage was built in 1880 on a lot next to the church.  The lot had
been purchased on May 4, 1879 for $150.  In 1912, the original two-story parsonage was
torn down and replaced by another two-story parsonage on a lot donated by the Pharr
family.  In 1954, the second parsonage was torn down and replaced by a one-story home. 
The present parsonage was built in 1975.
 In 1916, Mr. John A. Pharr donated a pipe organ, which he played until his death
in 1955.  In 1956, his daughter Elizabeth had the organ completely renovated.  The
interior of the sanctuary was also redecorated at this time, which included 4 brass
chandeliers donated by the Bass family.
 From 1926 to 1933, the pastor at Pharr Chapel would take a "missionary boat",
the Elizabeth James and minister to the rural areas along the bayous.The mission was
discontinued due to financial difficulties brought on by the Depression.  Rev. D.B.
Boddie resumed the mission work in 1940.
 Under the leadership of Rev. E.W. Day, the education building was constructed in
1936, with the second story added in 1948 (under the leadership of Rev. E.L. Tatum).  In
1960, the Bass family provided memorial funds to furnish a chapel in the building.  At
the same time, the educational building was enlarged, renovated, and attached to the
sanctuary. 
 In 1965, the sanctuary received a face lift, which included carpeting and new
pews.  But later that year, disaster struck when the steeple was destroyed by hurricane
Betsy.  The steeple was rebuilt by 1966 at a cost of $30,000.  In the 1960's and 70's,
several properties were purchased on the block to allow for future expansion.

* Although there was preaching going on in 1860, the church wasn't formally built until
1878.

SOURCE:     History - Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 90 into Morgan City.  If you're
heading east, take the Federal Ave. exit off of Hwy 90.  Turn right 
on Everette and you will see the church at the corner of Federal 
Ave.  If you're heading west, turn left off of Hwy 90 onto Duke.  Turn 
right when you get to Federal and the church will be on your left.

Walmsley United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Morgan City 608 Freret St.  71  1874

 The Union Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church was organized on April 12, 1874. 
The first church building was located in the 700 block of Third Street.  The first pastor of
the church was Rev. Barrow.
 The original church was destroyed by a storm in 1926.  R.A. Walmsley, who was
the pastor at that time, built a new church at the corner of Sixth and Greenwood Streets ...
though he passed away before it was finished.  When the church was consecrated, it was
renamed the Walmsley Memorial Methodist Church. 
 In 1974, a bridge was to be constructed over the church property, so relocation
was necessary.  The Holy Eucharist Catholic Church on Freret St. was purchased in 1974
and became the Walmsley United Methodist Church.  Under the leadership of Rev.
Roger Latham, the congregation moved into the "new" building in January of 1975. 

SOURCE:     Walmsley United Methodist Church, History of the Church

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 90 into Morgan City.  If you're
heading east, take the Federal Ave. exit off of Hwy 90.  Turn left 
onto Freret St.  The church will be up ahead on your right.  If you're
heading west, turn left off of Hwy 90 onto Everette.  Take the first 
right onto Seventh St.  and then turn left onto Freret.  The church 
will be up ahead on your left.
 

Mason United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Berwick 601 Oregon St.  64  1901

 In the late 1800's, a group of Berwick residents met together and decided to build
a church.  At first, they met in houses and later rented a store to use as a place of worship. 
A building committee was eventually put together under the leadership of Rev. G.A.
Payne.  A contract was made with Brownell and Drew Lumber Co. and construction
began in 1900.  The cornerstone was laid by Golden Ark Lodge #2224 on June 9, 1901. 
The pastor at this time was Rev. S. McGruder.  This church building is still in use today.

SOURCE:     Mason United Methodist Church, Church's History

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 90 to Berwick.  Turn south onto
Berwick South Rd. (just west of the town).  Go 200 feet and turn
left onto Utah.  Turn right at Seventh and cross the RR tracks.
Then turn left onto Oregon St.   The church will be shortly ahead 
on your right.

Wesley United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Napoleonville Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.  74
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 1 to Napoleonville.  Turn west
on the street (Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., formerly Courthouse)
just north of the Parish Courthouse.  After a few hundred feet, 
the church will be on your left.

Woodlawn United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Napoleonville 4042 Hwy 308  78  1869

 The Woodlawn Methodist Church was formed in 1869.
 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Head south from Spur 70 on Hwy 308 
(which runs parallel to Hwy 1, but across the bayou).  The
church is 6.8 miles south of Spur 70.
 

First United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 New Iberia 119 Jefferson St.  975 1839; 1858*

 The first recorded church services in New Iberia occurred in 1823, when Rev.
Benjamin Drake held services from a sailing vessel in Bayou Teche.  He later held
services in private homes.  The church was organized in 1839 and a Sunday School was
established.  The first meetings were held in a Barrel Factory.  Later, services were held
in a small building on the corner of French and Washington Streets.  The New Iberia
Methodist Church was officially incorporated and a church was built in 1858.  The
membership at that time was 125.  The new church, on the corner of Washington and
Iberia Streets, was dedicated two years later.  A parsonage (one of only eighteen in
Louisiana) was also provided. 
 On May 24, 1890, the congregation was devastated when the church and
parsonage were both destroyed by fire.  On August 8, 1890, a lot was purchased on the
corner of Jefferson and West St. Peter Streets.  While funds were raised for a new church,
services were held in an opera house.  Although the sanctuary was completed in 1892,
the church, which cost $14,000, was dedicated on February 5, 1893.  The new church
was struck by fire in 1907, but it was soon repaired.  The congregation met at the Jewish
Synagogue until the building was repaired.  The church membership at this time was 300. 
 In 1939, work was begun on the educational building, which was completed in
1942.  In 1948, work was begun on a new parsonage, which was first occupied by Rev.
Charles McLean in 1950 and dedicated in 1952. 
 By 1950, the church membership had grown to 800 and a second morning
worship service was added.  The sanctuary was renovated and the educational space was
added.  In 1954, additional property was purchased on Jefferson Street to accommodate
the growing Sunday School and another educational building was constructed soon after. 
The sanctuary was renovated again in 1969.  In 1978, a lot was purchased across the
street from the church for use as a parking area.  In 1986, Mr. & Mrs. B.E. Fox, Sr.
bought a home and donated it to the church to be used as the new parsonage.
 In 1986, New Iberia celebrated 150 years of Methodism.  In 1987, church
facilities were renovated and a new parking lot was added.  Two years later, the church
was placed into the National Register of Historic places.  And in 1991, the Sanctuary
Centennial Celebration was held. 

* Although there was preaching going on in 1823, the church wasn't formally built until
1858.

SOURCE:     "Methodism in New Iberia", A Brief Summary by Sam White

How to Get There:     Take the Hwy 14 exit into New Iberia.  Turn
left on Main St. (Hwy 182).  After 1/2 mile, turn left onto Jefferson
St.  Two blocks down, you will see the church on your left. 

St. James United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 New Iberia 549 E. St. Peter Street  105
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take the Hwy 14 exit into New Iberia.  Turn
right on E. St. Peter Street.  The church will be a few hundred
yards down on your left.  Note: St. Peter Street is a one way
street running east.

Briggs United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Abbeville Hwy 691  50
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 167 South out of Abbeville. 
After about 8 miles, turn right at a flashing yellow light onto
Mouton Cove (Hwy 691).  The church is 1.5 miles down on
your right.

First United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 New Roads 206 Pennsylvania Ave.  42  1904

 In 1904, Rev. F.H. Whatley approached the town of New Roads with the idea of
forming a Methodist church.  Citizens from Methodist backgrounds as well as other
Protestants contributed to a church fund.  On November 12, 1904, Leonidas Harrell
donated a lot on the East side of Pennsylvania Avenue to the church.  On October 21,
1905, the church was formally organized, with S.P. Higgenbotham as the President and
F.H. Whatley as its pastor.  Since it was the only Protestant church in New Roads,
members of other Protestant denominations joined with the Methodists in attending the
church.  Shortly after it was built, a ladies group within the church made a quilt and
raffled it off to provide money for a bell to place in the tower. 
 At the time of the Silver Jubilee in 1980, money was raised to fix up the bell and
repair the steeple.  It is dedicated to Gene Kimball, who provided the inspiration for this
effort.

SOURCE:     Mildred Gentry, First United Methodist Church, New Roads

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 1 North off of Hwy 190.  You
will get to New Roads after about 18 miles.  At New Roads, 
turn left onto Pennsylvania Ave.  The church will be a few 
hundred feet down on your right.
 

Rosedale United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Rosedale Hwy 723  67  1895

 Although Rosedale doesn't appear in the early Journals of the Louisiana
Conference, it is assumed that pastors serving nearby areas such as Plaquemine stopped
by to hold services on occasion.  The first known services were held at Live Oak
Plantation.  When the Presbyterian church was built, services were held there.  In a
quarterly conference report on February 4, 1894, Rev. William Schuhle reported that
"some Sunday School work is now being done at Rosedale."  Rev. Schuhle held a revival
at Rosedale and 5 persons joined the church.  At the May 4, 1895 quarterly conference, a
building committee was appointed to build a church at Rosedale.  The church fund was
started with $15 that came from the sale of the church building at Harmony.  Since Rev.
Schuhle was a carpenter, he and the men in the congregation were able to construct the
church by March 14, 1895.  By 1897, a Women's Missionary Society was formed. 
 One of the prominent families in the church is the Hooper family.  For example,
Ella Hooper became a deaconess and helped to found the MacDonnell School in Houma;
and Wilhelmina Hooper spent over 30 years with the Dulac Mission in Terrebonne
Parish.  These are just two examples of the fine Christian character exemplified in the
Rosedale church.
 By the 1950's, a new church was needed.  A fund was started in 1957.  The new
church was finally completed and services began on July 14, 1963.  A homecoming was
held 5 days later.  Miss Florence Booksh, who had joined the church in 1897, was
recognized as the oldest member.  The new building was dedicated on August 30, 1970. 

SOURCE:     Mildred Gentry, Rosedale United Methodist Church

How to Get There:     From Hwy 10, take the Rosedale exit onto
Hwy 77 North.  A couple of miles up the road you will find the
church on your left.

St. Paul United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 New Roads Singletary St.  21
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 1 North off of Hwy 190.  You
will get to New Roads after about 18 miles.  At New Roads, turn
left onto Pennsylvania Ave.  Turn right at the second street
(5th St.) and then turn left on Singletary St.  Cross the RR
tracks and you will see the church just ahead on the right.

Scott Chapel United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lettsworth Hwy 1  56
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Head north on Hwy 1 towards Lettsworth.
Turn right on 971.  After 1/2 mile, turn left and you will see the
church on your right.

St. James United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Melville Hwy 105  30
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:      From Hwy 190, turn north onto Hwy 105.
You will get to Melville after traveling about 11 miles.  When you 
get  into town, turn right onto State Hwy 10 (LaFleur).  After 1/4 
mile, turn north onto Landrum (Hwy 105).  You will pass under 
RR tracks.  The church will be about 5 blocks ahead on your right.

Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Opelousas 532 E. Bellevue  549  1806*

 The origins of the Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church can be traced
back to the beginnings of Methodism in Louisiana.  When Elisha Bowman came to
Louisiana, he made his way to Opelousas and organized a Methodist Society in 1806. 
That first year, he accepted 17 members into the church. 
 When the Louisiana Conference was formed in 1847, the first Annual Conference
was held at the Opelousas Methodist Church.  The pastor of the Opelousas Church for
1847 was Rev. Gad Gilbert.  The church has been called the "mother church" of
Methodism in Louisiana.
 In 1955, a new church was built and renamed the Louisiana Memorial Methodist
Church.  The church was dedicated in November, 1960 by Bishop Aubrey Walton.

* Although there was preaching going on in 1806, the church wasn't formally built until
later.

SOURCE:     Brief History of Our Church

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 190 West into Opelousas.
About 2/3 of a mile west of Hwy 49, you will turn right onto
N. Lombard.  The church will be 1.5 blocks down on the
right.

St. Mark United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Opelousas 601 S. Market St.  267
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 190 West into Opelousas.
About a mile west of Hwy 49, you will turn left onto
Market St.  The church will be about 4 blocks down on
your right.

Patterson United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Patterson 1204 Main St.  107  1844

 When Methodist circuit riders made their way through south Louisiana in the
early 1800's, Pattersonville (as it was known then) was surely one of their stops.  It is
noted in the church history that the Methodists had a church, built in 1844, in
Pattersonville.  An 1860 document dealing with obtaining property for a parsonage shows
that there was a Methodist church in the town at that time.  It is known that a Protestant
Union Church was built and later became the property of the Methodist Church.
 In 1881, Mrs. Ann Hooper sold a piece of land to the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South.  Along with the donation of land from J.P. Muggah, this led to a fund
raising effort towards a new church.  The Theatre and Literary Society led by Mrs.
Thompson began raising funds in 1885.  By 1888, the church had been built.  The first
wedding (of Mr. & Mrs. William Folse) in the new church occurred on November 26,
1891.  The church is made of red cypress wood set upon brick piers.  A number of years
after this, three rooms were added to the rear of the church to serve as Sunday School
rooms.
  In February of 1893, a Women's Parsonage and Home Mission Society was
organized by Mrs. F.A. Lyons.  The efforts of the society led to the building of a
parsonage next to the church.  The parsonage burned down in 1927, taking with it
valuable church records.  The present parsonage at the corner of Catherine and Lee
Streets was built in 1964.
 Over the years, the Patterson church has been on a variety of circuits.  Although it
was a separate charge at one time, it was put on circuits with Morgan City and Berwick
when those churches were formed.  At times it has also been on the Franklin circuit. 

 The educational building was built in 1954-55 under the leadership of Rev.
Clayton Bennet.  An office was added in 1967.

SOURCE:     Brief History of Patterson Methodist Church

How to Get There:     Take the Patterson exit off of Hwy 90 and
get on Main St. (Hwy 182).  In the middle of town, the church will
be on the east side of Main St.

Port Barre United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Port Barre Virginia Elizabeth Ave.  81  1913

 At some time before 1908, Port Barre was being visited by Methodist circuit
riders.  The pioneer of the French Mission, Martin Hebert, made Port Barre one of his
stopping points.  He would arrive by train on Saturdays and walk to an area where a tent
was erected.  A pump organ was used to provide the music.  Lanterns were used for light,
since the services were held at night.  Services were also held on some Sunday mornings. 
When a wind blew the tent down in 1909 (and it was too rotten to raise again), services
were held in a school house on the banks of  Bayou Courtableau near the train depot. 
When they soon became too crowded, the congregation began meeting at "The Old John
LeBlanc Saloon" (which included an upstairs room with a blood-stained floor where a
murder had been committed).  A Sunday School was organized in 1912.  Services were
held on the first floor, while older Sunday School classes and box suppers were held on
the second floor.  Around this time, Rev. William Falcon was often making the trip with
Rev. Hebert. 
 Rev. Falcon was present when the church, consisting of 8 members, was
organized on May 9, 1913 as the Port Barre Methodist Episcopal Church, South.  By
1916, membership was up to 34.  The first church building was built in 1919.  A building
project, which included an educational building, was undertaken (and completed in
1951) to accommodate a growing congregation.  The first resident pastor arrived in 1957
and a parsonage was ready for Rev. C.J. Thibodeaux in 1958. 
 By 1968, the congregation needed more room.  Property was purchased on the
corner of Cora Miller and Virginia Elizabeth Streets.  The first service was held in the
new building by Rev. J.D. Strozier on April 8, 1971. 

SOURCE:     A History of the Port Barre Methodist Church 

How to Get There:     When you get to Port Barre on Hwy 190, 
turn north onto Virginia Elizabeth Ave.  The church is a few
hundred yards up ahead on your right.

St. Paul United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Waxie Hwy 359  58
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     From Hwy 190, turn north on State Hwy 103
at Port Barre.  After traveling about 5-6 miles, you will turn right 
onto 359.  The church will be up ahead on the left.

Green Chapel United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Lottie Hwy 81  19  1908

 The Green Chapel Methodist Church was organized on March 16, 1908. 
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     Take Hwy 190 to Lottie.  Turn north onto
Hwy 81.  The church will be on your left just after the turn.
 

Wiley United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Blanks 3645 River Station Rd.  49  1924

 The Wiley Methodist Church was organized on April 15, 1924 in the small
community of Blanks, Louisiana.
 

 No history was submitted.
 
 

How to Get There:     As you get to Blanks on Hwy 190, you
will turn south and cross the RR tracks.  The church is just
ahead on your left.

First United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Thibodaux 1255 Canal Blvd.  343 1832; 1840's*

 In 1832, Rev. Benjamin Coxe was appointed to the Lafourche Mission.  At that
time, Thibodaux was the largest town in the Lafourche area; so it probably served as the
headquarters for Rev. Coxe.  The church journal states that the sacraments were
administered at the courthouse in Thibodaux.  The membership along the circuit
consisted of 20 whites and 20 blacks.  Several preachers were appointed at different
times over the next decade or so.  Services were held in the courthouse until the late
1840's, when construction began on a church building. 
 The Thibodaux church was the largest Methodist church in the area.  It had a 50'
tall steeple that could be seen from far away.  The church had seating space for 300
people.  It was dedicated on September 24, 1851.  Although built on a back street, it was
moved to Jackson Street in September.  Later that year, in December, the 6th session of
the Louisiana Annual Conference was held in Thibodaux. 
 In 1852, Rev. Robert Harp arrived to find a charge consisting of 64 white and 62
black members.  He organized the first Sunday School at Thibodaux when he arrived.  It
is Rev. Harp who started the only church journal of Methodism in the area for the 19th
century.  That journal is now in the Conference Archives. 
 For the next 20-30 years, the church was usually served by a pastor.  At times, the
circuit extended from Berwick to Donaldsonville.  The last entry in the church journal
comes in 1889.  Rev. James Matthew Henry was appointed to the Thibodaux circuit for
that year.  He found a church and six remaining members.  After Rev. E.T. Denson was
appointed in 1891, Thibodaux disappears from the records.  Finally, the church was sold
in the early 1900's.  The old church's location is now marked by a parking lot for an auto
dealer.
 In 1948, a group of men set up to re-establish the church.  While funds were
raised and construction occurred, they held services at the Episcopal Church.  The new
church was completed under the leadership of Rev. John Redmond and dedicated in
1950.  A farm house was donated to the church and moved to the church property to be
used as a parsonage.  In 1954, the educational building was built.  Two years later, in
1956, a two-story Fellowship Hall was built by members of the church.  In 1978, the old
parsonage was turned into classroom space and a new parsonage was purchased.  Later,
in 1991, the old parsonage was removed to make room for a new Fellowship Hall.

* Although there was preaching going on in 1832, the church wasn't formally built until
the mid to late 1840's..

SOURCE:     Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy Hebert

How to Get There:     Head into Thibodaux via Hwy 1.  In the 
middle of downtown, you will turn south on Canal Blvd.  The
church is about 12 blocks down on your left.

Vacherie United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Vacherie 2661 Hwy 18  6  1906

 In 1906, the first Methodist church in Vacherie was constructed.  Before that
time, services were held in private homes and at the Y.M.C.A.  The church of 59 charter
members was served by pastors from the New Orleans area.  By the mid 1920's, the
Vacherie Methodist Church was put on the Donaldsonville charge.  The Donaldsonville
pastor would hold services at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, two or three times per month. 
 When the Thibodaux church was re-established in 1948, the Vacherie Methodist
Church elected to be added to the Thibodaux charge.  For a long time, services were held
once a month.  Recently, the service schedule has increased to twice monthly (on
Saturday afternoons) and is still being served by the Thibodaux pastor.
 Hurricanes have taken their toll on the Vacherie church through the years.  After
hurricanes destroyed the steeple and vestibule and  knocked the church off its foundation,
"Betsy" completely demolished the church in 1965.  All that remained was one pew, the
pulpit, and the altar railing.  The church was rebuilt in 1967 by members and former
members.  The lectern now on the altar was constructed of wood from that surviving
pew.

SOURCE:     Claire Waguespack, Church Secretary/Treasurer

How to Get There:     When traveling from the west, turn off of
Spur 70 and head east on 3127.  Turn left when you get to
Hwy 20.  When traveling from the east, take 3127 west off of 
Hwy 310 and head west.  Turn right when you get to Hwy 20.
Hwy 20 leads into Vacherie at the River Road.  When you get
to River Road, turn left.  The small red brick church will be a 
few miles up ahead on the left.

Calvary United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Thibodaux 203 E. 7th Street  133  1866

 In 1866, the Freedman's Aid Society purchased a lot from Rachel Tabor.  The
Society was aimed at the "aiding of Colored People, who called themselves Christians." 
A building located elsewhere in the state was torn down and the lumber brought to
Thibodaux by barge.  Under the direction of the Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, North, a church was established. 
 The original church was built in 1867 under the leadership of Rev. William
Murrell.  In 1885, the church was rebuilt while Rev. G.W. Lacey was pastor.  Although 
the roof was repaired in 1930, extensive renovation wasn't done until 1976 under Rev.
Taft Bowie.
 The Calvary United Methodist Church was used as a school for black children
until the 1920's, when the state established schools.
 During the 1995 conference year, the church (which has stood since 1885)
received a historical marker from the Commission on Archives and History.

SOURCE:     The History of Calvary United Methodist Church: 1867-1993

How to Get There:     Head into Thibodaux via Hwy 1.  In the 
middle of downtown, you will turn south on Canal Blvd.  After
about 7 blocks, turn left onto 7th Street.  The church is two
blocks down on your left.

Magnolia United Methodist Church
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 City Address 1995 Membership Founded
 Thibodaux 104 Johnson Ridge  115  1872

 Under the leadership of Rev. Austin Kennedy, a congregation of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, North was incorporated in 1872 at Terrebonne Station (now called
Schriever).  They took a 99 year lease on a lot located between Magnolia Grove and
Dumas Plantations.  A small church was built on the property.  By the end of the first
year, the Schriever church had 267 members.

SOURCE:     Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy Hebert

How to Get There:     From Thibodaux, head south towards
Houma on Canal Blvd. (which turns into Hwy 20).  Shortly after
648, you will see a bridge on your left.  You will take a left and
cross the bridge onto Johnson Ridge Rd.  The church is a 
few hundred feet down on the right.
 

SOME DISCONTINUED and ABANDONED United Methodist Churches
 

Gibson United Methodist Church Founded: 1849

 The Gibson Church was built in the small community of Gibson, midway
between Morgan City and Houma.  Built in 1849, it is one of the oldest churches in
Louisiana.  Its long history includes serving as a hospital during the Civil War, being used
as a school, and was also called St. Anna's Mission (by the Episcopals who used the
facility on alternate weekends for years).  Although church services ceased for a time in
the mid-20th century, services were resumed in 1976.  They continued until 1995, when
the church was discontinued.

SOURCE:     Methodism Along the Bayou, by Timothy Hebert
 
 

Waxie United Methodist Church

 The timber was cut down, floated down by barge to Washington (where it was
milled), and floated to the building site.  There was an old road between the bayou and
the church, so the church was built facing the road and the bayou.  When a new road was
built "behind" the church, the building was rotated to face in that direction.  Prominent
families in the church included the Hawkins, Beards, Woods, Duckworths, Nolans,
Charles', WInnfields, Sylvesters, and Pastricks. 
 The church was discontinued, but homecomings are held once a year during the
second week of October.  The yard is cut and the building is fixed up to hold services.

SOURCE:     Rev. Ann Sutton
 
 

Butler's Methodist Church Founded: before 1893

 The Butler('s) Methodist Church of Centerville was in existence before 1893.  It
was used until 1927, when Rev. Robert Jones tore it down because of deterioration,
hoping to rebuild it.  Another church was built in the late 30's or early 40's to
accommodate a few elderly members.  It was known as Butler's Chapel.  In 1964, with
only a few surviving members, the little chapel was closed up and rotted away.  In 1991,
the remains of the old building were finally torn down.  A small cemetery, which was
located at the rear of the church, still remains.

SOURCE:     Helen Jones, Fitzgerald United Methodist Church
 
 

Baynton Chapel Methodist Church

 Merged with St. Peter UMC of Jeanerette in 1966 after their church was
destroyed by a wind storm.

SOURCE:     St. Peter United Methodist Church  - A Historical Sketch