Looking good for 125

When members of the First Presbyterian Church congregation began worshipping together in Crowley in 1890, they could only hope their flock would grow and continue worshipping for many years to come.
On Monday, Aug. 3, that church will celebrate its 125th anniversary, a proud moment not only for the church but the community as well to be sure.
To mark the momentous occasion, First Presbyterian Church is inviting the public to help them celebrate 125 years in the community with a special service at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2.
Rev. John Wamsley, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, will lead the service which will feature music and addresses from many in the local Presbyterian community. Music will be presented by a “community” choir, comprised of musicians from throughout the western cluster of the Presbytery.
“Every Sunday, we welcome all those who come visit our church and strive to make it a loving environment,” said Rt. Rev. Jimmy Broussard, pastor of First Presbyterian Church. “Now, 125 years later, we celebrate that welcoming, loving environment and the fact that this beautiful church has been a part of the Crowley community for more than a century.
“We invite the public, Presbyterians old and new, anyone and everyone to help celebrate this church’s anniversary and to begin building toward the next 125 years.”
The church and its congregation are also looking forward to welcoming back former pastors and leaders of the church who will be on hand to celebrate the day.
The First Presbyterian Church of Crowley was organized on Aug. 3, 1890, in the chapel of Acadia College located in the Crowley House on North Parkerson Avenue. It was founded by Rev. George Fraser, D.D., who was the stated supply pastor from 1890-96.
In 1894, the congregation’s first house of worship – a wood frame building – was erected at 321 E. Fourth St. in Crowley on the land the church purchased from Pat Crowley.
In 1929, the church rebuilt – this time with brick in Gothic architecture style. This new church seated 400 and, to this day, features a melodious Henners pipe organ that is still used each and every Sunday.
Over the years, the church has branched out to other parts of the Crowley community as well as Acadia Parish.
On Sept. 6, 1919, the frame chapel built on the corner of Elm Street and South Avenue I in South Crowley was first used. Having identified the need for a house of worship in the southern community, the chapel was built and used for many years by the Presbyterians until it was sold to Wesley Methodist Church in June 1950.
Furthermore, as a result of mission work in the Egan community, the Egan Chapel was built there and dedicated on Jan. 19, 1948.
The church has also made sure it is a vital part of Crowley over the years. It’s congregation actively participates in Crowley’s National Day of Prayer activities as well as Christmas in Crowley – providing a nativity scene for the latter.
It also helps keep the community clothed and fed with its Good Samaritan Committee. The committee organized a clothing room at the church that was moved to the Crowley Christian Care Center in 1988. The church, however, still serves the committee through that move. In fact, First Presbyterian Church is one of seven churches that established CCCC in 1987.
It also continues to support both local and overseas mission work.