The church was organized on
July 2, 1867. On that day, Rev. Evans Green led the church in purchasing
the Second German Presbyterian Church. The members, mostly
former slaves, raised $4,350 to pay for the church. It was called
the Elmira Street Methodist Episcopal Church. When the Louisiana
Conference was formed in1869, it was renamed the Thompson Chapel Methodist
Episcopal Church (after Bishop Edward Thompson).
The parsonage was built in 1898
under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Turner. The church was incorporated
on November 16, 1899 under the leadership of Rev. John Wesley Turner.
The church was wired for electricity while Rev. D.M. Seals served as pastor.
The church was remodeled in
1928. Paying off the expenses incurred for the work took the congregation
sixteen years. Due to the lengthy debt repayment, some members left
the church. After Frank Baldwin got an organization to hold their
annual Thanksgiving service at the church, presided over by Rev. Morris
Burrell, a good amount of money was raised to pay on the debt. Rev. J.W.
Turner, appointed to the church for a second time, helped by not drawing
a salary for a year. Over the next couple of years, the debt was
paid off.
Rev. J.C. Bibbons arrived in
1945 and helped the church in remodeling. Everything was paid for
on a cash basis. The church and parsonage were renovated while Rev.
James S. Davidson and Rev. Eddie Carter served.
Dr. R.F. Harrington led a dedication
service on March 11, 1973. New choir robes and carpeting were later
added. |
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