The church began on November 10, 1866
when eighteen people became charter members of the Greenleaf Methodist
Episcopal Church. Services were first held under a brush arbor built
in the area of todays Bernard Street. The church was admitted to
the Louisiana Conference in 1870 and the first pastor, Rev. Stephmen Humphrey,
was appointed. On May 13, 1872, land was purchased from Mr. Israel
Brown for $25. A frame church was soon constructed. It was
located on a hill opposite Union Cemetery near Gibbs Street. The
name was changed to Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. The
home of Mr. William Gardner served as the first parsonage.
Under the leadership of Rev.
A.J. Turquite, the congregation bought another lot in 1888. It was
located on Gibbs Street near the K.C.S. Railroad crossing. An unknown
man appeared and told them to stop building. Though he had no apparent
authority, it cause the construction to be delayed for several years.
The present site at 938 Polk Street
was acquired and a church was built in 1896 under the leadership of Rev.
J.O. Brown. Educational opportunities for African-Americans was limited
at that time, so the church began the Mansfield Academy for all persons
desiring an education. As funds for the school dwindled during
the Depression, the school closed its doors. The building was remodeled
in 1952 under the leadership of Rev. J.E. Brown and the sanctuary was covered
with stone.
In 1968, plans began for a new church.
The trustees traveled to view churches around Texas and Louisiana.
They finally went to Shreveport to have new plans drawn up by an architect,
Mr. Bridges. The church was completed in December 1971 under the
leadership of Rev. G.L. Thomas. The $80,000, 25-year load was paid
off by May 1987. Pew cushions and additional improvements were added
in 1987. The parsonage interior was remodeled in 1990. |
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