On October 10, 1859, Samuel
H. Copeland donated land to the Holly Grove Methodist Episcopal Church,
South for a church. The Civil War brought an end to the plans for
a church until August 3, 1888, when Duncan Buie donated land for a church.
The Wisner congregation was organized in Holly Grove in 1888. The
church later bought land from the school board when the Holly Grove School
was abandoned.
When the railroad came through
the area, more people moved into the Wisner area. Worship services
were held in a one-room school at the corner of Natchez and Wisner Streets.
In 1911, Edward Wisner donated land for a church to be built in town.
A new church was built in 1915 for $2,300. A parsonage was acquired
in 1926. The Holly Grove church was later sold to the Baptist congregation.
A building fund began in 1958
under the leadership of Rev. Arby Coody. The $50,000 church was built
in 1961 under the leadership of Rev. Paul Durbin. Services were held
at the old Baptist church on Plum Street during construction. While
planning for a dedication in 1965, the new church burned down on July 8.
Services were held at the elementary school while the church was rebuilt.
Led by Rev. John Johns, the church was completed in January 1966 at a cost
of $88,000. The church was dedicated by Bishop Aubrey Walton on November
20, 1966. |
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