Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church was located at 2239 Oak Street, Jena, Louisiana.

The church began as Hemphill (Hemp’s) Creek Methodist Episcopal Church. The earliest meetings were held in private homes. The church was known as the Jena Methodist Episcopal Church by 1870. The first church was built of logs in 1878 on the east bank of Hemphill Creek in Old Jena. The parsonage was built across the road. The earliest extant records date back to 1882.

In 1895, a new church was built on higher ground to avoid flooding. Dr. B.L. Thompson donated a lot north of the main road at the fork of the Nebo Road. In 1903, the church renamed itself the Richmond Nolley Methodist Church (now Nolley Memorial). Richmond Nolley was an early Methodist circuit rider who died near Jena.

In 1897 a new church was erected on higher ground to prevent flooding (that had occurred in 1895). It was built in the middle of town on ground donated by Dr. B. L. Thompson, father of Mrs. Louise Cobb. This location was on a lot just north of the main road at the fork of the Nebo Road.

With increased membership, the church obtained additional property. In 1910, the land was acquired from F.M. Renfro. Additional land was acquired later from J.A. Buchanan and the L&A Railroad. Five acres were purchased from the Carey family much later (1975). A new church was built in 1911 (located near the present parking lot) and the cemetery was begun. Dr. B.L. Thompson’s land was returned to him and he purchased the old church structure. The current building, with a sanctuary and classrooms, was constructed in 1949.

In 1952, the remains of Richmond Nolley were relocated to the church grounds. His gravesite was designated with a Historical Site marker in 1976.

In 1986, with money given in memory of Mr. Palmer, a new fellowship hall and renovations to the old building were completed.

Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church in May 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-36.