06/16/2022
Sunday, June 12, 2022 was the last service for Mangum Memorial United Methodist Church and ended a 114 year presence of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in Shreveport. For most I think it was a very uplifting yet sad service. Over the course of these 114 years, Mangum has been blessed with many many loving, caring and giving members. It has been with great sadness to us all that the church had to close. We just didn't have the people that were physically able to continue to bless our community. And this is not meant to demean anyone, it is just a testament to those that have given so much that like me, they just run out of steam. It has hurt me even more to see all of the furnishings leave the place they have adorned all these years.
But I do get to rejoice in the fact that our closing brings material help to many other churches that may not be able to afford the items we are giving up.
One particular church is Vidalia UMC that burned to the ground last July. They lost everything. Vidalia is the recipient of much of our furnishings. Our legacy will live on with them, Clanton Chapel in Dulac, Northwoods in Lafayette, Asbury in Natchitoches, Fairfield in Shreveport as well as several other churches. I guess the only way I am able to keep my sanity during this time is by knowing that we are providing for others in hopes their churches can continue into the future and bring the love of Jesus to more people.
I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside some of the most awesome Christians at Mangum I think I have ever known. For their guidance and help I will be forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.