In 1848, Blackwater was included
as a preaching point along a Methodist circuit. In 1857, Ms. Nancy
Hooper deeded 5 acres of land, part of the Hooper Plantation, to the Louisiana
Conference to use for a church. It was located between Blackwater
Bayou and the Comite River and contained the Hooper family cemetery.
The original church, 30'x40', was located south of the present cemetery
drive. It was built by a German workman. This original Blackwater
Methodist Church was on a circuit with Beech Grove, Davis Chapel, and Bethel.
Other Protestant denominations used the church at times.
In 1896, a new church was built across the road
from the cemetery, and the church was incorporated. It was a white,
wooden building with a tin roof. There were 3 rows of benches.
An educational building was built in 1932. A concrete block wall
was added around the church in 1939. By the 1940's, the church had
grown old and outdated.
Aunt Emily Pennington called
Rev. Mouser to her house and told him of a vision of a new red brick sanctuary.
The Rev. began a building fund in 1948 and raised $2,100. In the
fall of 1950, a meeting was called to select a new church site. Although
only two members showed up (Versie Watts and Russel Hausey), one was willing
to place a mortgage on his home and another signed a personal note for
$10,000. Construction began that October; and by 1951, $16,000 had
been raised and membership had increased by 188. The cornerstone
was laid by Dr. William Brown and the new church was constructed at a cost
of $35,000. It was dedicated on November 28, 1954.
As soon as the sanctuary was
built, the congregation began planning for a new education building (at
a cost of $70,000). Rev. Edwin Keith (of the Arkansas Conference)
was hired as Director of Stewardship Promotion. This "venture of
faith" was paid for with a pledge system, instituted by Rev. Keith.
The building was completed in 1957.
A gymnasium was constructed
in 1967. A new 500 seat sanctuary was built and was consecrated on
April 24, 1983. A new parsonage in Willow Wood was constructed that
same year. |
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