In late 1946, the Methodist
Men of First Church in West Monroe surveyed the area of Brownsville outside
of West Monroe to inquire into the possibility of starting a new church
in that area. After getting a positive response, a revival was held
in 1947. Land was acquired next to Brown Street and the tent set up.
At the end of the revival, fourteen people stepped forward to form the
new congregation. D.S. Rev. W.H. Giles organized the church with
sixty-five members.
Charlie Chisholm had paid for the
tent and offered its use until a building could be constructed. Isaac A.
Patton, Jr. served as the first pastor for a few months, but was replaced
by Rev. C.K. Brooks by the end of the year.
Plans for a church were drawn
on a brown paper bag by A.L. Roberts. Using labor provided by the
members, the $22,000 church was completed by February 1948. A parsonage
was also built.
Under the leadership of Rev.
Durbin in the late 1950s, a new sanctuary was constructed and dedicated.
When it came time to move again, Walter
Works helped finance the property for the new location … five acres on
New Natchitoches Road. An agreement to sell the old property was
signed in the summer of 1975. The $200,000 church was built during
the first half of 1976 under the leadership of Rev. Carole Cotton-Winn.
It included a sanctuary, a fellowship hall, classrooms, a kitchen, and
recreation space. At that time, the church changed its name from
Brownsville to Asbury United Methodist Church.
Source: Asbury United Methodist Church: 1947-1997, Janelle
Wheelis |
