The Severn Methodist Church began
on March 29, 1953 with 36 members. The service, led by Rev. Dana
Dawson, Jr., was held in the auditorium of Ella Dolhonde Elementary School
at 219 Severn Avenue. When Rev. Dawson was reappointed a few months
later, leadership of the congregation was taken by Rev. Robert Jamieson,
pastor at St. Paul’s. The congregation was later put onto a circuit
with Felicity and pastored by Rev. John Winn.
A two story duplex was purchased at
612 Severn Avenue. The rooms were used as classrooms, and the basement
served as the sanctuary. The basement also doubled as a fellowship
hall. By 1958, the congregation had outgrown its home.
A 1 1/2 acre site was purchased at
3741 Pontiac St. and the name was changed to Metairie Methodist Church.
The first parsonage was located on
Clearview Drive. When the road became a major thoroughfare, the site
was thought to be unsafe and a new parsonage was purchased at 5613 Ruth
St.
The Metairie United Methodist Church,
sandwiched between two larger churches, has been referred to as the "Little
Church With a Big Heart." |
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