When the Patterson(ville) church
was formed in the mid 1800's, its pastor made trips to Morgan City to hold
services. A congregation developed by in Morgan City 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.
Source: History: Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church |
