Although circuit riders passed
through the area on occasion, Methodism didn't take root in Ponchatoula
until Mr. William Akers donated a piece of land and had a sanctuary constructed.
Mr. Akers had asked the Mississippi Conference for a minister in 1892.
Shortly after the church was dedicated (on December 3, 1893), Rev. W. H.
Currie was appointed as Ponchatoula's first pastor. The first Sunday
school was also organized that year.
After holding several revivals,
Rev. Currie organized a church of about 50 members. He also built
his own home (113 South Third St.) during his stay here. In 1907,
the original church was taken down and a two story building was constructed.
In 1947, an educational building, (Abels Memorial Building) was constructed
just east of the sanctuary.
The 2 story annex was demolished
in 1956. Groundbreaking for new church facilities was held on September
11, 1957. A fellowship hall, kitchen, library, restrooms, and classrooms
were first construction. Construction on the sanctuary was completed
while Rev. Eldred Blakely was pastor. The first service in the new
sanctuary was held on September 6, 1959.
The first parsonage was built
by Mrs. J. R. Abels on South Fifth Street in 1940. A new parsonage
was constructed in 1964-65. The current parsonage was built in 1978.
The Day Care and Early Learning
Center was begun at the church in 1980 by Rev. Robert Potter. A new
roof was put on the church while Dr. Larry Robertson was pastor at the
end of the 1980s. In the 1990s, Dr. Burton Blair has led the congregation
in making improvements on the parsonage and West Wing of the church. |
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