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.
SOURCE: History of the Abbeville
Methodist Church, Stella M. Williams |
