The First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles has plenty to celebrate. This month, the church turns 150. In contrast to some congregations with lower attendance after the pandemic, and in spite of two hurricanes and last year’s flood, FUMC is growing.

The sesquicentennial will be marked with a special service today, Oct. 9 and the public is invited to attend. A contemporary service begins at 9 a.m. The traditional service is at 11 a.m. Displays of church archives and historical memorabilia will be on display from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Paxton Hall. Enjoy “food truck fellowship” and the Zydecane Band from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 Membership is at 1,300, and the church continues to grow, according to Rev. Weldon Bares. He’s been pastor for the last 13 years, the longest tenure of any pastor at the church. He said it takes a generation of faithful believers to keep any church strong and growing.

“Studies have shown that church attendance is down across the country. That is not the case here or at many other churches that I am familiar with,” Bares said. “Adversity can bring us back to God and to our faith.”

The hurricane caused $3 million in damages and the church is still in the rebuilding process. Founded in Downtown Lake Charles at the corner of Broad and Bilbo in 1871, it’s not the first time the church has been damaged by high winds.

“The church had some structural damage in the 1918 hurricane,” Bares said. “The bell tower was destroyed and the bell was given to Millsaps College. It’s still there today.”

Rev. Thomas Mullet was the first pastor of the church. Forty-six clergy have served in that role since. In 1928, the church built a new sanctuary at the corner of Broad and Kirkman, an ideal location on major city roads.

“It is such a privilege to serve as the senior pastor of this historic church. I think back to all of the previous pastors and to the faithful laity who have gone before, and pray that we will always be faithful to their hard work and to the call of Christ upon our lives,” Bares said.

FUMC emphasizes mission work and service to the community. Members are involved in Abraham’s Tent, Food Pantry and partnerships with a local elementary school, including Lunch Buddies.

The church prepares food buckets for those recovering from storms, engages in hurricane relief efforts, ministers to the homeless and to the incarcerated and supports the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky.

FUMC also offers several Sunday School classes, weekly Bible studies and small group opportunities and activities for children and youth.

“It is reassuring to me in so many ways that the same Gospel that was preached by Rev. Mullett, the first pastor of this church, is still being proclaimed today. Our culture desperately needs to hear a word of peace and grace and mercy, “Bares said. “We will continue to proclaim the good news of Christ.”