The journey began in 1824 when First Methodist Church was established at Coushatta with a local permanent presence to replace circuit riding preachers. As of midnight December 31st the direction will change. First United Methodist Church, the body that grew out of the original Methodist Church here, will disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.
Across the state and nations hundreds of UMC congregations are choosing to disaffiliate. What remains of the UMC probably will not be known for several years. Locally Wesley Chapel has voted to disaffiliate. They will become independent on New Years also.
The church will become an independent congregation with a new tax exempt corporate structure. The new name is First Methodist Church of Coushatta. A couple of weeks ago the name on the sign was changed. Recently the UMC came and took all church records, signs on the road leading to town, the Hymnals with the UMC logo, and everything else that said United Methodist.
Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another opens.” First Methodist Church of Coushatta will venture out through that new door early Sunday Morning.
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