Celebrating Presbyterian’s history

As candles flickered against stained glass windows in the afternoon, a packed house of worship helped First Presbyterian Church celebrate 125 years of service.
“I’m not a prophet, but God told me it’s OK to have fun this afternoon,” said Rev. John Wamsley of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lafayette. Wamsley led the celebration service.
And celebrate the church goers did with a special 2 p.m. service Sunday, Aug. 2. While the church’s anniversary was actually Aug. 3, First Presbyterian Church opted for a Sunday service to celebrate its history and welcome back many to its sanctuary.
Mayor Greg Jones read aloud a proclamation designating the day in honor of First Presbyterian church and helped bring to light several highlights of the church for its quasquicentennial (125th) anniversary.
Organized on Aug. 3, 1890, in the chapel of Acadia College located in the Crowley House on North Parkerson Avenue, Rev. George Fraser, D.D., founded First Presbyterian Church to glorify God. Fraser was the stated supply pastor from its founding until 1896. Following Fraser, First Presbyterian Church welcomed 19 pastors to its flock, including one more than once.
It is now under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Jimmy Broussard.
During his sermon, Wamsley called upon members of the congregation to stand and share their memories – small or big – of people and the church itself. Most of the stories, while emotional were of fond, loving times whether it was a Sunday school teacher or families celebrating together for years and years.
“Y’all know my father, knew my father very well,” one began. “He was liaison for many years between Committee on Ministry and this church. He was Curry McFerson, and today would have been his 97th birthday.
“And that is why the sun is shining so brightly, because he loved each and every one of you and he considered it an honor to serve you all.”
Among the special guests Sunday were one of those ministers: Rev. R. Lynn Simpson, who served as minister from 1970 to 1988. Also on hand was minister son of the church Rev. Charlie Freeland. Freeland and Simpson, who both live and serve churches in Oklahoma, actually rode to the event together and spoke fondly of memories with the church.
“I want you to all know that you have nurtured me,” said Freeland as he spoke of his time in the church as a child.
“I would have hated myself if I would have missed this chance to see you all,” said Simpson. “This is a congregation, as far as I can tell, that has always lived beyond itself. It has reached out in service, in witness and in caring.”
Members of the Crowley church along with other members of the Western cluster – a large majority coming from Welsh’s First Presbyterian Church – also served as a choir for the event, singing several hymns, including “Amazing Grace.”
The fun festivities not only served as a reminder of the church’s history but also made several references to scriptures in the Bible, providing the word of God to those in attendance.
Following the service, a reception was held in the church’s Fellowship Hall, providing more fun for the rest of the afternoon for all.