Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church

Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church was established in 1878 in Morgan City, LA, through donations made by the Pharr family.HistoryWhen the Pattersonville church was formed in the mid 1800s, its pastor made trips to Morgan City to hold services. A congregation developed in Morgan City by 1860 and was meeting with other Protestants in a church/school building erected by the town. By 1875, Reverend A.E. Clay was appointed to serve the Morgan City and Berwick areas.The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, purchased a lot for $150.50. The cornerstone for the Pharr Chapel sanctuary was laid on April 4, 1878.The first parsonage was built in 1880 on a lot next to the church that had been purchased on May 4, 1879, for $150. In 1912, the original two-story parsonage was torn down and replaced by another two-story parsonage on a lot donated by the Pharr family. In 1954, the second parsonage was torn down and replaced by a one-story home. The present parsonage in the Lakeside Subdivision was built in 1975.In 1916, Mr. John A. Pharr donated a pipe organ, which he played until his death in 1955. In 1956, his daughter, Elizabeth, had the organ completely renovated. The interior of the sanctuary was also redecorated at this time, which included four brass chandeliers donated by the Bass family.From 1926 to 1933, the pastor at Pharr Chapel would take a "missionary boat," the Elizabeth James and minister to the rural areas along the surrounding bayous. The mission was discontinued due to financial difficulties brought on by the Great Depression. Reverend D.B. Boddie resumed the mission work in 1940.Under the leadership of Reverend E.W. Day, the education building was constructed in 1936, with the second story added in 1948 . In 1960, the Bass family provided memorial funds to furnish a chapel in the building. At the same time, the educational building was enlarged, renovated, and attached to the sanctuary.