Henning Memorial United Methodist Church

Our Past:
In the year 2009, Henning Memorial United Methodist Church will be 125 years old. The congregation was organized in 1884 under the leadership of Rev. John Henning. In the years preceding the organization of Henning, Rev. Henning, zealous to preach the gospel, organized three Methodist societies in the area. In 1883, the presiding elder of the Opelousas district, the Rev. Louis Reed, held conferences at all three societies. And, out of these societies, it was decided that there would be a Methodist church in Sulphur.

Through the efforts of Rev. Henning’s son, John T. Henning, the church grew. In 1885, the “little black church” was built. It was the fourth building in town and it was the first church. It was built by John T. Henning and two men in town. The church is named after John T. Henning.

In 1887, Pastor Robert Howell reported. “We have a small congregation in Sulphur City but some great big meetings. The few who attend are among God’s chosen people.” (From, On Shoulders Of Giants, p. 13) Well, here we are 115 years later, and Rev. Howell’s words still ring (somewhat) true. We are a much larger congregation...we are still in the city of Sulphur...we still have some great big meetings...and, we still believe that those who attend are among God’s chosen people….

Our Present:
We are, however, no longer, “the little black church.” For one thing, our church campus consists of six buildings and our Sunday worship numbers in the 400’s! We are a thriving, growing congregation that continues to seek and answer God’s call.

Our Future:
Our history is a rich history...and our belief is that our future will be even richer, stronger, greater...and, the quote from which the history was named, by Sir Isaac Newton, still rings true for us today… “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”