First United Methodist Church of New Roads New Roads LA

First United Methodist Church of New Roads is a United Methodist Church in New Roads, Louisiana.

We are a fellowship of believers, made in God's image and called as disciples of Christ to share the Good News with everyone through learning, listening, praying and working together actively to reach out to our communities.

We are a place to believe, belong, and become!

 

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THE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE NEW ROADS METHODIST CHURCH BY RONALD C. JEWELL

When asked to gather information on the history of the New Roads Methodist Church it dawned on me that this would be quite a challenge. Having been a member of this church all of my life is quite a few years, but this church's origin was many years before that. In searching for records I found an old Pointe Coupee Banner dated November 12, 1904 which stated that for some several weeks the question of establishing a Methodist Church in New Roads had been discussed by some local bussinessmen.

It seems that a remarkable Methodist minister, The Rev. F. H. Whatley, had been instrumental in getting the people's attention for the need of a Methodist Church in the Town of New Roads. It mentioned that there were many good citizens in the community, and many more who belong to some protestant church, although not Methodist. In the light that all people should have a church to hold their services in, it was well received by the people.

So things began to happen. First of all a piece of land measuring 100 feet by 96 feet was donated by Mr. Leonidas R. Harrell. This land was donated with the following stipulation: "This donation is made in trust that said premises shall be used, kept, maintained and disposed of as a place of divine worship for the use of the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, subject to the Discipline, usage, and ministeral appointments of said church, as from time to time authorized and declared by the General Conference of said Church, and by the Annual Conference within whose bounds the said premises is situated."

The paper carried a notice stating that all parties wishing to help or contribute to this endeavor should send their contributions to Mr. Hilary Vignes. Mr. Vignes was the custodian of the new church fund. Some of the contributions listed were: One lot valued at $500.00, along with a $50.00 cash donation from Mr. L. R. Harrell, also $40.00 worth of lumber. S. P. Higginbothemm, $100.00. H. A. Fitzhugh, $50.00. R. Alexander, $5.00. 0. J. St.Dizier, $5.00. P. 0. Babin, 75 cents. Frank Basso, 50 cents. R. D. Burduck, $2.00. James Bause and wife, $5.00. J. B. Rougon, $2.00. I. W. Barksdale, $5.00. William Goss, $2.00. The total contributions came to $834.75.

We have to realize that money was hard to come by during that time and these were generous donations. Let me say here that this generous man who donated the property for this church was the great grandfather of Mrs. Mildred Harrell Fossett. We are happy that she is with us tonight. Mrs. Fossett has told us that her great grandfather owned much of the property in this neighborhood. In fact, she tells us that as a very young child she lived with her parents in the house now owned by Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D'Aquila. She remembers an Easter Egg Hunt in a vacant lot in this area. She also told us a few things that her mother passed on to her. For instance, that her great grandmother would paddle a skiff across the Mississippi River in order to attend church. Now to the organization of the church. On October 21, 1905 the church was organized with the following Board of Trustees: Sargeant Higginbothem, President Hilary Vignes, Sr., Treasurer Leonidas R. Harrell, Member I. W. Barksdale, Memb er Robert McG. Carruth, Member Rev. F. H. Whatley, Minister

For many years following, this church was actually used as a community church. All protestants in this area attended services here because there were no protestant churches in town. Many of the early members of the church moved away, some to unknown destinations, others are deceased, and with them died many of the early records of the church. But this church stands tall in the midst of a thickly populated Catholic community. It is truly a landmark in the Town of New Roads. Many Catholics have lived their lives in the shadows of this grand old church, and it holds a special place in their hearts for they have always been ready to lend a helping hand when some unexpected financial crisis would come up.

Of some interest is the small grave at the back of the church. Years ago I used to mow the grass at the church and I remember sitting on the grave to rest a while. Mr. Murray LeBeau tells us that at one time there was a Higginbotham family here. Mr. Higginbotham worked for the railroad. You will remember a Mr. S. P. Higginbotham was one of the organizers of the church. It seems that he had a 12 or 13 year old little daughter who died of diptheria and this is her grave. Mr. LeBeau also thold us that Mr. Higginbotham's son, Powers Higginbotham, later was mayor of Baton Rouge. In my search of records, I found several receipts for bills from Baum's Flower Shop.

One was for a spray of pink gladioli for a Mrs. Zinc's funeral service. Can you imagine, the amount of the bill for the spray was $4.00, plus .04 cents tax? Mrs. Zinc was a dedicated member of this church. She was a teacher at Poydras School. By the way, it was Mrs. Zinc's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Donald (Frances) Zinc, who participated in the first celebration of Poydras day. It was fitting as Mrs. (Frances) Donald Zinc had written her thesis on Julien Poydras. My father helped her gather her information on. Poydras. There was another bill from Baum's Flower Shop for a spray of flowers for the funeral service of Mr. Tom Herring.

The amount of the bill was $3.00, plus .04 cents tax. Now let's talk about Sunday Sschool. Records indicated quite a bit of activity. They met each Sunday. Some of you may be familiar with some of the names of the people who were particularly active during the early years of the church. There was Mrs. Netherly who taught school at Poydras. Mr. & Mrs. Bennett were faithful members. They owned the property that is now Waterloo Subdivision.

Mrs. Bennett was Mr. L. R. Harrell's sister. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were very active in the Sunday School and Church. I know that some of you newcomers do not recognize some of these names and they mean nothing to you, but there are some here who do remember these people, even if it is from your parents or other relatives. A Mrs. Singletary, who had a thriving insurance business here, was also a dedicated member. The church was fortunate to have had in their membership Miss Ella Lena Wright who was the church's pianist. Miss Wright had come to Pointe Coupee Parish to serve as Music Instructor.

She lived here a number of years, later marrying Mr. Ivy Lieux of the Lieux Chevrolet Co. Then in a few years after that Ms. Eileen Latham came to the parish to be the Music Instructor. She also served as pianist for the church. Ms. Eileen later married Judge G. Ross Kearney. Records show that in 1939 the Fowler family moved to town. They were active and devoted members of this church. In the late 30's and early 40's it was found that there were quite a number of young people who were very active in the church. One name in particular that showed up numerous times was that of Ian Claiborne, now Judge Ian Claiborne.

Another was Bettyrene Kimball, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gene Kimball, very dedicated members of this church. Also the names of Nell Bouanachaud and Baby Kaye and Edmay Ann Sonnier. Two other faithful members were Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Girard. Mr. Girard had a black 1950 Ford and I thought that was the greatest. The Girards gave generously of their time and resources. The cross and candlesticks you see on the altar were given by the Girards.

Another very devoted member was Mrs. Roger Samson who served as the church treasurer for many years. Mrs. Samson taught Sunday School for many years and was dearly loved by her pupils. She now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Anthony Lorio at Lakeland. We must not forget Mrs. Julia Pinsonat. In the mid 50's and early 60's she was our pianist and she had a very good little choir. She had choir practice every Wednesday evening after she got off work. Once the Baptist Church borrowed our choir for a special function at their church. For some reason there were only girls in their choir. We had very few boys then and they must have all been tone deaf I can remember some of the girls in the choir - Madeline Breidenbach, my sister, and Kathleen Kimball David.

I think both of them are here tonight. There was also Nitsa Klaras, and the Hammett girls, Millie and Jenny, and Scot Mosely, Dr. J. M. Mosely's daughter. I believe that my grandmother, Mrs. Leona Milam, was the oldest person to have ever been a member of this church. When she moved to New Roads to live with my mother around 1986 she moved her membership here. I remember the church members had a birthday cake for her on her 99th and 100th birthday. She attended services here as long as she could. She passed away in 1992 at the age of 104. Going back to earlier times, it is my understanding that when the church was first built a group of ladies made a quilt to raffle for money to install a bell in the tower.

This bell was also used when there was a fire in town to call people to help fight the fire. Mr. Murray LeBeau tells us that in 1920 when he was just a young boy he was playing ball with the Smith boys, Audley, Sr., and Allan, in a vacant lot on Pennsylvania Avenue when the Pointe Coupee Banner office caught on fire, and he remembers all the excitement of the people running to the church to ring the bell to call the people to help fight the fire. In spite of their efforts, he said most everything at the Banner Office was lost. Now more about the bell - after a number of years it became unsafe to use the bell and it stayed silent for a long time.

On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Church in 1980, money was raised to repair the steeple and refurbish the bell. Mr. Gene Kimball, former Chairman of the Board for many years, and a faithful and devoted leader, provided the inspiration for this, and it was dedicated in his memory. Unfortunately he did not live to see the restoration completed. But he would be proud of it because the bell rings loud and clear every Sunday morning calling the people to worship services. I am happy to say that I am the one who usually rings that bell .

As stated before, as the years went by the congregation dwindled with some of the older members dying or moving away, and the younger people going off to college or seeking employment elsewhere. All this has taken its toll on the membership. It was also a struggle during the depression years, but the Church did survive and God willing, will continue to survive. I've been told that in the early years of the Church one way to get a little extra money was to assess each member a penny for each year of his or her age when they had a birthday. I can remember putitng money in the little wooden church that sits on the altar.

Over the years dedicated members have worked tirelessly to preserve our church. We feel so fortunate to have the Addisons with us now. Ms. Phyllis's music is such an inspiration and has brought so much joy to us all. Memorials have played a big part in maintaining and beautifying our Church. Dr. &Mrs. Lewis Perkins donated an organ to our church in memory of their little girl who died. The Church only had a piano up until that time. There is a plaque on the wall near the present organ concerning their donation. Our most recent project was the chandeliers that hang in this sanctuary. We are very proud of them. I think they look great.

At Christmas time, for the last few years, our Church doors have been open to everyone to visit and join in Christmas carolling as the people enjoy the Christmas Walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. Last year the Church purchased the property directly behind this building. It will be used as parking space or some other use that may be needed such as an education building. We are fortunate to have a very capable, dedicated man who is our pastor, Rev. Don Gentry. He and his wife, Mildred, are doing a wonderful job caring for their flock. We welcome you one and all to our Church and do hope that you will come and visit with us often. You are always welcome. Our services are as follows: Sunday Service is at 9:00 A. M.

April 23 1996