The history of Methodism in Franklin
can be traced back to the very birth of Louisiana Methodism. The
first appointed minister to Louisiana, Elisha Bowman, made his way through
the St. Mary area in 1806. It is assumed that he stopped along the
way to deliver his message to the people of Franklin. The first definite
record of Methodism in Franklin comes from the letters of Daniel Devinne.
While serving the area in the early 1820's, he mentioned preaching at the
St. Mary courthouse (in Franklin).
Finally, in 1846, property was
bought (from Nancy Tarkington, for $200) for a Methodist church.
The church was built soon after. It was so successful that the Franklin
Methodist Church was chosen as the site for the 9th Louisiana Annual Conference
in January of 1855.
In April of 1855, the church
bought 140 ft. of property on Main Street next to the church. The
parsonage was built there in 1873. The old cemetery site behind the
church was acquired in 1855.
By 1897, a bigger church was
needed. When Rev. W.W. Drake arrived in 1898, a building program
was started. In two years (1900), the new church was completed.
Under the leadership of Rev.
Jolly B. Harper, an educational building was constructed in 1942.
By the 1950's, the congregation
was outgrowing the church again. Under the leadership of Rev. Edward
Haug, a building campaign was begun in 1954. The opening service
in the new church was held on June 24, 1955. When the parsonage was
destroyed by fire in 1957, a new brick structure was built (the same year).
A new educational building and fellowship hall was completed in 1967. |
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How to Get There:
Take
the Franklin exit off of Hwy 90 and head east for a couple of miles until
you get to Main St. (Hwy 182). Turn right and head into town.
After about a mile, the road makes a sharp right turn. About 1/2
mile after you turn, you will see the church on your right. You will
see Asbury UMC, a white, wood-frame church, on your left about 100 yards
before you get to 1st Church. |
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