First United Methodist (Shreveport, La.) was located at 500 Common Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. The area was first served by traveling circuit riders. After the church was organized in 1845, the first church was built on Market Street. It was 35’ x 40’, with a 16’ ceiling. The first pastor was Rev. R. J. Harp. The church was shared with the Baptists and Presbyterians.

In 1881, plans began for larger facilities. Two lots at the head of Texas Street were purchased on March 15, 1882 for $2,700. The cornerstone was laid by Bishop A. V. Wilson on January 8, 1883. Beginning in 1884, while construction was still taking place, the congregation began to worship in the basement. The church, with a seating capacity of 400, was dedicated almost seven years later. The tower stood 165 feet tall.

With the congregation still increasing, larger facilities were needed. In 1913, the present building was constructed. It was later dedicated on September 18, 1932 with Bishop Henry Clay Morrison leading the service.

Two more lots were purchased in 1920 (for $20,000) and another in 1938 (for $3,000) to allow the facilities to expand. The Dawson Education Building was constructed in 1939-40. Additional property has been acquired since then to allow for even more growth.

In 1950, the capacity of the sanctuary was increased to 1300. Couch Chapel and the Hunter Activities Building were added in 1964. In 1972, a steeple was added to the church. The church now has a television studio, a Human Resource Center, an Adult Education Building, a parking garage, and four parking lots. First United Methodist (Shreveport, La.) disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church in 2023.

The Four Square Bible Class (established in 1923) had origins as the Wright Class (established 1918) and the Business Men’s Bible Class at First Methodist Episcopal Church South (Shreveport, La.). Dean R. E. Smith, professor of religion at Centenary College of Louisiana, taught the class from 1920 to 1960, which was broadcast on radio station KRMD. By 1924, the weekly class had grown to over 1,000 attendees. The organization hosted popular community events such as its annual picnic attended by 3,500, which in 1925 featured food, music, the Four Square Orchestra, and athletic contests. After outgrowing meeting space at the church, the class held meetings at the Caddo Parish Courthouse, Shreveport City Hall, then later returned to the church. In 1943, women were officially admitted as members of the class. Bentley Sloane served as teacher of the class from 1975 to approximately 2000. The class continued to exist until at least 2007.

Sources: 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 SH-75.”

Bentley Sloane, “The Dean Smith Years: Centenary College, the Four Square Bible Class” (s.l.: B. Sloane, 1978).

Bentley Sloane, “Heart of the City : a history of First United Methodist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana” (Shreveport, LA : First United Methodist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, 1995).