Churches of Homer, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisiana, may be said to date back to 1823, when eighty-nine White and ten Colored members represented the denomination in the State. From 1829 to 1833 William Stephenson preached throughout this section. In 1827, however, a class was organized in the Hood settlement with John Burnham, leader; this was followed by Ashbrook's class near old Athens, but not until after the organization of the Louisiana Conference in 1840 did the people of the wilderness receive the new faith.

A society was organized at Homer, in 1849 or 1850, within the log house which stood where is now Dormon's blacksmith shop. Later a house for worship was erected in rear of the present house, and this was used until December, 1876, when the big snow crushed it in. In 1877-78 the house now in use was erected.

The Cumberland Presbyterian society was organized at Homer, and another at Shongaloo, in the fifties. The Homer Association dissolved instanter, but a stronger society was organized at Mount Pleasant, and still another at Pleasant Grove, near Alexander's mill. During the war the building at Mount Pleasant was destroyed by fire. Salem, near the site of old Russellville, ultimately became the seat of Cumberlandism, with churches at Haynesville, Salem and four other places.

The Presbyterian Church dates back to Mr. Banks' address at, Overton, in 1838, and to Allen's settlement in 1839. In 1851 the first organization was effected near Athens, although a preacher and school teacher of this faith resided at Homer then. In 1852 Rev. J. F. Davidson arrived and found one other Presbyterian here. Up to 1872 services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but in that year their own building was completed.

The Missionary Baptist Church dates back to June 11, 1825, when a society was organized south of new Athens. Fourteen years after the place of meeting was fixed at the old academy at old Athens, and lost many of its members by that move. In 1859 the three remaining members, with others, reorganized under the name New Hope Church. In 1826 or 1827 Black Lake society was formed at John Murrell's. In 1852 the name and location of Ebenezer Church was changed to Homer, S. Harris, being then pastor, and J. A. Millican, clerk.

In October, 1867, the organization ceased, but was revived four years later by A. Harris, who was succeeded as pastor by H. Z. Ardis. From 1873 to August, 1877, the pulpit was vacant, and then J. W. Melton was called as pastor. Friendship Church instanter was organized in 1847, at James Wise's house; in 1856 the Rechabite Church near Haynesville was organized as New Friendship out of this society; the old Friendship church-house was burned, and the society dissolved. Gilgal Church was constituted in 1842; Union Church on Dorchette, in 1852; Pilgrims' Best, in 1853; Cool Springs, in 1862; Crystal Springs, in 1874, and then followed the White and Colored churches of modern times.

Homer | Biographical Sketches

Claiborne Parish History | AHGP Louisiana