In 1953, the District Board
of Missions and Church Extension purchased 4 lots at the corner of Mollylea
and Sharp Road. They also assisted with the purchase of a parsonage.
In 1955, Rev. J. Philip Woodland
was appointed as pastor, a tent was erected, and services began.
The first service, on June 19, 1955, was led by Rev. Edward W. Harris,
District Superintendent. It started a week-long "Evangelistic Mission"
led by various Baton Rouge pastors and choirs. The 54 initial charter
members grew to 128 by July 31, 1955.
Sunday School was held at the
parsonage and in private homes in those early years. With the help
of the 1000 Club, a Fellowship Hall was built in 1956. Since the
church was growing rapidly, construction on a new educational building
began the following year. The educational building was completed
in 1958. Five years later, Bishop Walton dedicated the first 2 buildings
and the mortgages were paid off. Plans began for a new sanctuary
and administration building.
Begun on August 12, 1962, the
new church held its first service on May 5, 1963. A small activities
building was built in 1965. In 1967, a new, two-story educational
building was completed. A new parsonage was built the following year
on West Tams. Property (3.5 acres) south of the parking lot was purchased
later that year (1968).
The Memorial Garden was dedicated
on June 11, 1972.
Membership had grown at an astounding
rate. In March, 1974, the 5000th member joined the church, and the
current membership stood at 3400. Construction began the next year
on a multi-purpose activities building for the youth. |
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