In July 1884, Governor Alexander
Mouton donated property on East Main on which to build a church.
On that land, the Mallalieu congregation built their first church.
Later, a Normal School was founded and classes were taught in the church
to African-Americans.
In 1928, church remodeling began
under the leadership of Rev. T.J. Bridgette. It continued under the
leadership of Rev. W.D. Martin, appointed to the church later that year.
Rev. Martin led the church in buying a lot and beginning a building fund.
In October 1962, construction
began on a new church. The first worship service in the new structure
was held on March 17, 1963.
Under the leadership of Rev.
R.S. Taylor, a new parsonage was built about 1970 at the site of the old
church. Air conditioning was added to the church at that time.
The church’s mortgage was paid off in 1977 under the leadership of Rev.
Edgar Smith.
In 1994, the name of the church
was changed form Mallalieu to Immanuel. The congregation began making
plans to relocate to Louisiana Avenue. During 1996-98, under the
leadership of Rev. Bruce Brown, the church relocated to Northgate Mall
for a time before moving into a new facility on Louisiana Avenue.
The new multipurpose building was consecrated on October 5, 1997.
At the end of the century, four
acres of land were purchased under the leadership of Rev. Rodney Wooten.
This brought the total church property to 19.5 acres. A Family Life
Center is planned for the property.
In 2003-2004, the church has
worked on paving the driveway and making the restrooms more handicap accessible.
Under the leadership of Rev. Clifton Conrad, Sr., they have also started
the Clara Dell Constantine Broussard scholarship to help local youth into
college. |
|
