Laurel Street Methodist Church

The Laurel Street Methodist Church used to stand where Pleasants Park is now. Here is some history, courtesy of Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church: Excerpt: Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church was born in 1968 through the union of the old Laurel Street Methodist Church from Richmond’s Oregon Hill and the new Grace Methodist Church in […]

January 21, 2012; 8:13 AM • by Oregon Hill

The Laurel Street Methodist Church used to stand where Pleasants Park is now.

Here is some history, courtesy of Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church:

Excerpt:

Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church was born in 1968 through the union of the old Laurel Street Methodist Church from Richmond’s Oregon Hill and the new Grace Methodist Church in the West End of Henrico County.

Laurel Street Church was organized in October, 1849 and enjoyed a long history of faithful ministry. In 1888, Laurel Street helped to organize Monument Methodist Church at Park and Allen Avenues, and in 1896 it assisted in the formation of Byrd Park Methodist at Idlewood and Addison Streets. (Monument later merged, after a fire, ‘With Union Station to form Reveille Church, and Byrd Park relocated at the old Monument property to become Park Avenue Church.)

Another excerpt:

During the night of January 14, 1968, the Laurel Street Church building was destroyed by fire. The cause for the fire was determined to be arson. The congregation met for some months in borrowed facilities and then, after many weeks of study and prayer, voted to merge with Grace Church on the Grace property.

On the Day of Pentecost, June 2, 1968, Saint Andrew’s Church was born as Grace and Laurel Street churches celebrated a Uniting Conference. Reverend Goodman preached the morning message. Bishop Walter C. Gum appointed Arthur P. Cooley as the new pastor, and he served Saint Andrew’s until 1971.

January 21, 2012 8:13 AM 0