In 1847, Thomas Applewhite built
a small log structure in the Cotton Valley area to be used as a church
and community center. That early church was located several hundred
yards east of the site later used by the Ohio Oil Camp. After a few
years, a split log building was constructed. Its location was about
100 yards east of the present Cotton Valley cemetery.
The Christian society was organized
into a Methodist church around 1863. The circuit rider would hold
services the fourth Sunday of the month. The first minister to live
in the community was Rev. Houston Armstrong.
A new church was built in1887
across the road from the old church. The new structure had many glass
windows bordered by green blinds.
About 1906, the church relocated
to Cotton Valley. Rev. E.L. Cargill led in building a new structure
in 1827. It was divided into classrooms and a new sanctuary was constructed
by 1929. In November 1947, the church celebrated its first homecoming.
On December 31, 1947, a tornado
destroyed most of Cotton Valley. The new sanctuary (an army chapel
moved to the site from Mississippi) and the parsonage were damaged, but
were soon repaired. The formal opening of the new sanctuary took
place in May 1948 under the leadership of Rev. Merlin W. Merrill.
It was later dedicated by Bishop Paul Martin on October 31, 1948.
The first section of a new education
building was built in early 1949. The last unit was completed under
the leadership of Rev. J.P. McKeithen in 1950.
When the church was struck by
lightning on May 25, 1969, the sanctuary burned down. It was rebuilt
and dedicated on February 8, 1970 under the direction of Rev. Terral T.
Lowe. |
|
