Roberts United Methodist Church Denham Springs LA

Our hearts, our minds, our doors are always open!

L: Who are we?
P: We are the people of Roberts UMC
L: What is our Christian obligation?
P: We are a congregation committed to serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
L: How do we serve Jesus?
P: We serve Jesus by spreading the Gospel to our neighbors and the world and equipping Christians to do the work of our Lord.

 

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https://www.la-umc.org/churchdetail/849403  

 

 

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Roberts is the first African American and the oldest church in Denham Springs, Louisiana. It was established in 1894 in a log cabin that was also used as a school. The church was organized by Rev. Woodard and was located on Cockerham Road. After about three years at this location, the church bought land north of Denham Springs. A new church was built and named Plain View Methodist Church. The property was purchased from Mr. P. E. Hill on May 15, 1896 at the price of $1.00 per acre. The church purchased two acres and Mr. Hill donated one acre. This property was acquired under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Green. The trustees who accepted the title on behalf of the church were Mr. John West, Mr. George Washington and Mr. Cooper Ricks. The sale was witnessed by Mr. Robert Tate. Although Mr. Cooper Ricks was never a member of the church, he was the grandfather of our deceased member Mr. Alex Ricks and has was a faithful worker.

In 1908, the church purchased a one-half acre track of land from Mrs. Mary Allen Duffy at a price of $35.00. The pastor at this time was Rev. Robert Jones. The trustees were Mr. Cooper Ricks, Mr. John West, Mr. George Maryland, Sr., Mr. Alex Lockhart and Mr. Eugene Lockhart. A church was built on this property, which was located adjacent to the present Denham Springs City Cemetery. A few years later, a second church was built on this property, to replace the first church. They both were named Roberts Chapel Episcopal Church. During the building of the second church, Rev. Ephrain Freeman was pastor. The trustees were Mr. Tom Grayer, Mr. George Maryland, Mr. K. D. Jackson, Mr. John West and Mr. Eugene Lockhart. Later, the church purchased property on Railroad Avenue but never built anything there. This property is located where Easterly Oil Company was formerly located.

The property that Roberts presently sits on was purchased from Furgerson and Bashears on October 10, 1945, for $5.00. This purchase was made under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Bibbons. The trustee were Mr. K. D. Jackson, Mr. Eugene Lockhart, Mr. Alex Lockhart, Mr. John Scott, Mr. William Jordan, Sr., Mr. Thomas Clark, Mr. George Maryland, Mr. Edward Taylor and Mr. David Terrell. On this property, the foundation for a church was laid under the leadership of Rev. Wilbert C. August. The construction of the church continued and was completed under the leadership of Rev. C. L. Franklin. Under the leadership of Rev. Edgar Smith, a parsonage was built and educational renovations were made. The building committee for this project was Mr. Edward Taylor, Mr. Cornelius Dunn, Mr. Arthur L. Perkins, Mr. John Scott, Mr. Fred L. Banks, Mr. David Terrell, Mr. Alex Ricks, and Mr. George Maryland, Jr.

During the early sixties, Robert Chapel Methodist Church changed its name to Roberts United Methodist Church. This change occurred under the leadership of Rev. W. B. Hackett. In 1977, Roberts United Methodist Church began construction of a new building. This facility was completed and dedicated in 1978, under the leadership of Rev. Clarence Hillard. The building committee consisted of Mr. Fred Banks, Chairman, Mr. Arthur Perkins, Co-chairman, Mrs. Ida Griffin, Mrs. Joyce B. Gross, Mr. Lawrence Jordan, Sr., Mr. Richard Lockhart, Sr. , Mr. William Lockhart, Sr. , Mr. George Maryland, Mrs. Elma Scott and Mr. M.E. Taylor. The trustees were Mr. M. E. Taylor, Chairman, Mr. William Lockhart, Sr. In the late eighties under the leadership of Rev. Wilbur G. C. Davis, Roberts’ facility was renovated. A balcony, a stained glass window, and a hanging cross were all added to the interior of the church. Rev. Davis remained pastor for 10 years.

In 1987, Rev. Alonzo Campbell was assigned to Roberts and remained the Pastor until he was promoted in May 2007. While under the leadership of Rev. Campbell , Roberts became very active within the United Methodist Connection. In 2000, the RUMC Senior Choir sang at the General Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The choir travelled to Dallas, Texas, where it was featured in a special program. It was during this time that the church purchased more property and built a new parking lot.

In June 2007, history was made when Rev. Erica Jenkins was assigned to Roberts as the first female pastor. Under her leadership, the Stewardship Committee raised money to build a handicapped accessible restroom and beautified the narthex. IN addition, the sanctuary was upgraded with new pew covers and carpeting.

From 2008 to present, Rev. Deborah Williams has been our pastor. She has devoted much of her time to building the church spiritually. Under her leadership, participation within church leadership has expanded. Evangelism has been revitalized, another Adult Sunday School class has been added, Bible Study participation has increased, Roberts’ records have been computerized and the Roberts Food Pantry, which mainly serves the elderly in public housing, was brought into fruition. As a result of preaching biblical stewardship, Roberts’ resources have improved tremendously. Rev. Williams has been a strong administrator.

With God’s help we will continue to uplift the name of Jesus and to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.