Biography

Harrisonburg United Methodist Church is located at 117 Pine Street, Harrisonburg, Louisiana.

In 1833, Rev. Jonas Westerland was appointed to Harrisonburg. In those early days, circuit riders preached under brush arbors and in homes. The current Harrisonburg church was built in 1853 or 1854. The land on which it stands was donated to the church on October 5, 1858 by Joseph Sargent. It faced Pine (or Church) Street.

For many years, the second story of the church was used for the Harrisonburg Masonic Lodge. The structure was also used as a school. By 1895, the membership had increased to 184. Land was purchased on July 5, 1907 from the Holloman heirs. A parsonage was built on the site, which was across the street from the current church’s location.

After sharing a minister for three decades (since 1926), Rev. F. P. Corie moved into the parsonage in 1957. Rev. Corie led the church in renovating the church and parsonage. Sunday School rooms were added to the back of the church.

In 1972, renovations to the church included refinishing the sanctuary floor and pews and adding carpeting to the pulpit area and aisle. A new organ and furnishings were added the following year.

The old church still stands to this day. Cannonball holes can be found in its walls. Old square-headed nails still hold it together. And the original church bell still chimes.

Harrisonburg United Methodist Church disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church in 2023.

Source: Timothy Hebert, “The Historical Register of the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church,” (Louisiana: Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, 2004), page AL-22.

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