The first record of a pastor
being assigned to the area was the appointment of Moses Davis to the Ion
charge in February of 1858. The name was changed to the Richland
charge in 1869. The town of Rayville wasn’t organized until 1870.
Court records show that the
Methodist church acquired three pieces of land in 1860: one in Girard,
one in Jonesburg (just north of Rayville), and one at Horn Cemetery (one
mile southwest of Rayville). A log structure called Horn Chapel was
built on the land bought from John Horn for $20. After the Civil
War, the building was also used as a school. Services were held at
the Union Lodge and Church Building after it was built in 1889. The
first resident minister was Rev. S.H. Whatley in 1900.
In 1906, a new church was built
under the leadership of Rev. J.R. Roy. That building later served
as the social hall. Though the congregation wanted to build a new
church in the 1920s, the depression caused a delay in the plans.
Property was purchased behind the church. During Rev. Jack H. Midyett’s
tenure (1942-47), the church was moved back to the southeast corner of
the property. Wings were added to provide classroom space.
With funds donated by the Franklin family, a new parsonage was built and
was dedicated on February 8, 1948. Bishop Paul Martin gave the message
that day. |
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