About St. James Methodist Church of Louisiana
The Roosts of St. James Methodist Church of Louisiana
The roots of St. James Methodist Church of Louisiana can be traced back to a time when the Free African Society was a mutual aid society. These members made regular contributions to the treasury, and their funds were used to help members in times of illness or other personal calamity. Here’s our story. Through the years, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) grew throughout the United States, and many churches were formed and practiced that faith, including St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church located on North Roman Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the years progressed on October 4, 1968, some members decided to form their self-governing entity. Thus was our church born: St. James Independent Methodist Church of Louisiana.
Our History
1968: The First Trustee of the church were Brothers Duplin Rhodes, Ellis Marsalis Sr., Clifford Haynes, Orson T. Jones, Leo S. Tyler, Albert Butler, William Carter, and Emile Minor; Sisters Golda Mitchell, Ernestine Black-Tillman, Moretha Demourelle, Armetha Cummings, Josephine Brown, Henrietta Benward, Victoria Martin and Aszelia Markham.
Worship Services were held in Grace United Methodist Church and Greater Tulane Baptist Church. Business meetings were held in the Rhodes Insurance Building.
1969 November: Rev. Joseph A. Tilly, Associate Minister of Triumphant Congregational Methodist Church, served as Interim Pastor for the month. In December, Rev. Joseph A. Tilly was asked to assume full pastorate of our church body, and he accepted.
Our Mission
- 1970: Sunday, February 15th, a Note Burning Ceremony was held for the land purchase.
- Sunday, March 29, Ground-breaking Ceremony
was held for the land purchase.
- 1971: Within the fifteen months. Reverend Tilly added improvements within the realm of the church. Auxiliaries and clubs were organized; choirs were recognized. The task of building St. James Methodist Church of LA was a herculean one.
Sunday, March 7th: First Worship Service in the new edifice. Pastor Tilly designated the Month as “Prayer Dedication Month. “
Pastor Tilly led the congregation into the New Edifice. Dedication Sermon was delivered by Reverend Andrew Gilmore, Pastor of Greater Tulane Baptist Church. 6:00 P.M.
CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE- Sermon was delivered by Rev. Gerald Haughton, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Alexandria, LA Rev. C.C. Bourgeois, assisted.