Led by Rev. Henry Bowdon, Sr.
of First Church, funds were given in 1947 to buy a lot on the corner of
Patrick and LaGrange Streets for the purpose of building a new church in
south Lake Charles. A survey of the neighborhood showed good support
for the new church. The small white wooden church was built over
the next few months, with the first service being held on September 28.
The young adult class (Clipper Club) met at a home next door, and built
a brush arbor to meet outdoors in nice weather.
During a bad hail storm in 1953,
the ceiling was destroyed. The following year, the decision was made
to build a new church to accommodate the growing congregation. There
were 1100 members in the church by the time the new church was completed.
The old church continued in use as a classroom.
In 1960, a pre-school was begun.
In 1973, installation of a new 1,080 pipe organ began. The installation
was completed three years later. The following year, work began on
a new children’s wing and multi-purpose room. The mortgage on that
construction was paid off in1994. The old church was also remodeled
in 1974 into office space.
On May 20, 1984, the stained
glass windows were dedicated. Additional renovations, including new
pews and carpeting, in the sanctuary were completed on March 1996.
Source: Reaping the Golden Harvest, Nola Mae Ross and
Robert Coulson Benoit |
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