The early origin of Methodism in St. Francisville, Louisiana dates back to 1803 when Lorenzo Dow was the first Methodist Episcopal minister to preach in the area. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South of Bayou Sara was organized under the Mississippi Conference in 1844 and a building was constructed in the old town, located on the Mississippi River just down the bluff from St. Francisville. In 1894, the church became a part of the Baton Rouge District of the Louisiana Conference.

The original building in Bayou Sara was fortunate to escape bombardment by Federal gunboats on the Mississippi River during the Civil War, but was subject to floods each spring as the river overflowed its banks. In 1896, it was decided that a more favorable location was needed. That year plans for another site were initiated and a lot was purchased on Royal Street in St. Francisville.

The building was completed in 1899. The stained glass window located on the front of the bell tower still carried the name "Methodist Episcopal Church, South" as it does today.