The first services in the area
were camp meetings held on the site of the present school. After
the first school was built in 1908-09, visiting Methodist circuit riders
used it to hold services. Rev. J.R. Roy, pastor of the church in
West Monroe, accepted ten members at a service at the school in 1919. By
mid 1920, interest had risen in building a Methodist church. Rev.
H.W. Ledbetter led the congregation as fundraisers generated capital.
Mrs. W.A. Burt donated a lot
on Claiborne Road on which to build a Community Methodist Church.
Mrs. Minnie Burt Haynes sold a lot to the church for $25. Local men
built a 30x60 building, located behind the present-day Claiborne School.
The churchs first seats came from Colony Methodist when it disbanded.
After pews were later built, those chairs were given to another church.
Worship was held every other Sunday afternoon.
Property was bought from Mr.
W.R. Williams on the corner of Well Road and Hwy 80 West in 1947.
The first service was held in the new church on Easter Sunday, 1948.
An education building was constructed in 1958. That building is now
used as a fellowship hall and for day care. The Day Care Center was
begun during the pastorate of Rev. Ed Parks (1979-83).
In 1984, the old parsonage was
moved from its lot and a new one built. In 1986, plans were made
to renovate the church. |
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