The Baton Rouge circuit was
created in 1832. It was served by Rev. Bevil Tabor in 1833.
The following year, the Methodist Episcopal Church of Baton Rouge was incorporated
while Rev. Charles K. Marshall was pastor. The congregation had 41
white and 6 black members. The first church was built two years later
on the corner of Fourth and Laurel Streets.
The war saw many churches left
without pastors. The Baton Rouge pastor, Rev. N.A. Cravens was even
taken prisoner by the Union Army in 1862, and the church was closed.
In 1864, a chaplain (of the Methodist Episcopal Church) in the Union Army
was assigned to the church, but is ignored in the church records.
Rev. Reynold S. Trippet raised
funds in 1871 to pay off heavy debts and for repairs. A small organ
was purchased at this time. By the early 1870's, Rev. Alexander E.
Goodwyn had supervised the retirement of the remaining debts and the church
was renovated. The Ladies Aid Society was founded at this time.
By 1912, the Sunday School had
500 members. The bell at the fire house next door was becoming a
nuisance ... often disturbing church services. In 1922, the decision
was made to find a new location and build a new church.
The cornerstone for the present
church at the corner of North and East Boulevards was laid on April 26,
1925. The first service was held in the new sanctuary on March 30,
1926.
In 1948, the church began a
radio ministry. The following year saw the Sunday School classes
outgrowing their rooms. A building fund drive began at the end of
the year. In 1952, the Methodist Youth Center and the W.R. Aldrich
Chapel were completed and dedicated.
In 1963, the Adult Center was
built, in part to handle the growth of the XYZ Club. By 1970, the
Early Learning Center opened for business. In 1985, the church began
broadcasting services on television. After the Children's Building
was erected in 1992, the church undertook major renovations in 1993.
The church currently owns 3 parsonages.
SOURCE: Our Church History; First
United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge Church Directory |
