In Mississippi Methodism, the story of Glen Allan Methodist is a tale that spans centuries. It all began in 1799 when the fearless circuit rider Tobias Gibson, with the support of Bishop Francis Asbury, set out on a remarkable mission to carve out a 500-mile circuit along the grand Mississippi River. Among his many stops was the Port Worthington plantation, which would eventually flourish into a vibrant center of faith and community.

In the early 1800s, a small Methodist church was erected near Point Worthington. By 1839, it boasted a growing community, with more slaves attending than white worshippers. Following the Civil War, the freed slaves established their congregation and appointed a minister. Worthington gifted the original building to the former slaves, enabling them to develop their own church. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the former congregation established the Glen Allan Church.

In 1890, the Glen Allan church was built as a union church, bringing Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal congregations together. The land for this building was generously donated by S.M. Spencer. During the construction, she opened her home to host services and even took the lead when no minister was available. The entire community came together to provide funding for this special church.

The Methodists were the most active congregation, gathering twice a month at the Union Church. The Baptists and Presbyterians met once a month, while the Episcopalians only convened on the rare fifth Sunday. And by 1900, the Methodist community even acquired its own parsonage.

By the early 1920s, the Methodists felt the need for their own meeting space, and that’s when plans to build the church we know today began to take shape. The community rallied together, raising over $13,000 for the new church building fund. In 1923, a plot of land was purchased from the Wildwood Plantation, and the vision became a reality. Generous donations poured in, including a beautiful pipe organ and piano from the Mann family, and stained-glass windows from the Brown family. Finally, in the summer of 1924, the church was completed and dedicated to the ministry of Jesus Christ. The spirit of giving and growth continued, with an addition that was added in 1958-59, then enlarging it in the early 2000-02 to the present building.

The Church at Glen Allan has demonstrated its unwavering resilience over the years. A shining example of this is during the devastating flood of 1927. Despite the area around the church being completely submerged, our church services continued, with parishioners showing their unwavering faith and commitment by arriving by boat.

The history of Glen Allan Methodist Church is a testament to the unwavering faith, resilience, and community spirit that have been central to its story. From its humble beginnings, the church has been a focal point of worship, service, and support for over two centuries. The dedication and generosity of its members, as well as its ability to weather challenges such as floods, crop failures, world wars, and global pandemics, highlight the enduring impact of Glen Allan Methodist Church in Mississippi Methodism.