The Historical Register is a compilation of information on every
United Methodist Church in the Louisiana Annual Conference.
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St.  James United Methodist Church
City
Melville 
Address
 Hwy 105
2003 Membership
 30
Date Founded
 1894

St. James UMC was closed in 2007.

The property was sold for $18,000 to the Antioch Baptist Church in 2010.

    Land for the church was bought from Mr. W. Burton for $15 cash on November 24, 1894. The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church of Melville was soon constructed.  The eight members were led by Rev. E.H. Knox.  
     Rev. J.H. Rylander was pastor when the church was rebuilt in 1902.  Renamed Melville Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, the cornerstone was laid on October 26, 1902.
     A new church was constructed in 1924 under the leadership of Rev. D.L. Riley.  When the cornerstone was laid on November 30, 1924, the church had a new name … St. James Methodist Episcopal Church.  Sunday school was taught in the church parsonage at that time.  
     In 1947, the church bought its first piano from the Catholic Church for $150.  Dinners were sold to pay for it.  
     By the end of the 20th century, plans were being made to enlarge the facilities and purchase new furnishings.  
How to Get There:
     From Hwy 190, turn north onto Hwy 105.  You will get to Melville after about 11 miles.  When you get into town, turn right onto State Hwy 10 (LaFleur).  After 1/4 mile, turn north onto Landrum (Hwy 105).  You will pass under RR tracks.  The church will be about 5 blocks ahead on your right.
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