The congregation began in 1952
after the Bishop linked three mission churches (Gibson’s Chapel, North
Grand, South Grand) and Fairbanks Church north of Monroe. Rev. Lea
Joyner was appointed as its pastor. She had been serving at a nearby
church, but the new pastor didn’t want a woman as an assistant. Instead
of returning to teaching, Rev. Joyner took on the task of starting a new
church on the south side of Monroe.. Three lots were acquired at
Temple Drive and South 4th and South 5th Streets. The Bishop gave
her half of the $10,000 start-up money and work began on the Southside
Methodist Church.
After Rev. Joyner’s tragic death
in 1985, Rev. Joe Solomon … himself a longtime member of Southside … was
appointed to the church. The church was renamed after Rev. Joyner
at that time. In January 1992, the church relocated to Old Sterlington
Road. The current church was constructed on that site. The
mission statement adopted by the church is “To know Jesus and to make Him
known.” The church has licensed 48 men and women to preach since
1952. |
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