First Church and Wesley Chapel have been members of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church for decades.  First church traces its history back to 1824 here in Red River Parish.

A Couple of weeks ago the Journal reported that both congregations had voted to disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church.  A week ago, the UMC Conference meeting in special session agreed to grant these churches and 56 more their wish to leave the denomination.

There is still some work to do.  Soon you will notice that signs will change with the Methodist Cross and Flame emblems being removed.  The conference is gathering all records, historic documents, financials, minutes of meetings and all records of the churches up to this time.  They are even taking the song books!

As of January 1, 2023 First Church and Wesley Chapel will be independent churches.  Both congregations are excited about their new status.  And both are making preparations to be out on their own.

Hall Summit United Methodist Church was not on the list of churches granted permission to disaffiliate at the November Louisiana Conference meeting.

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