1911
The Reverend Thomas Jefferson Holladay (1873-1952) was mentioned as having been pastor a short time in this 16-Oct-1911 social column. The ladies of the community surprised him with dinner under the trees after the Sunday service. What served as a church building at that time is not known.
Shreveport Times 16-Oct-1911, Page 5
A couple of days later, he conducted the funeral of Mrs. Clara "Grandma" Ivey. She was the mother of J. F. Ivey, the first mayor of Mooringsport.
Shreveport Times 18-Oct-1911, Page 3
Captain Frank M. Wells (1861-1935), world traveler, lecturer, evangelist, and purported chaplain to President William McKinley; spoke to a men-only group at the Oil City Methodist Church.
Shreveport Times 17-Nov-1911, Page 5
More about Capt. Wells' background:
Rev. Holladay was mentioned as likely pastor at OC for another year. The Reverend H. R. Singleton, noted to be preaching the following Sunday, was then Presiding Elder for the Shreveport District of the Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South).
This was indeed the case as in December, the Louisiana Conference appointed him to Oil City for the coming year, and additionally appropriated $600 to Oil City for church extension, apparently to assist his mission financially.
1912
In June 1912, the Rev. Holladay performed the marriage of Miss Ora McIntire to Benjamin Stewart. So far, this is the earliest found instance of a wedding taking place in Oil City.
At the Methodist Conference held in 11-16-Dec-1912, Rev. Holladay (misspelled in article) reported Oil City to be a "hard field." In his first six months of work he had added a single member, though he noted he was currently adding one per month.
Apparently due to his lack of progress, as no OC members were reported at year-end, there was no pastoral appointment to Oil City for 1913. However $100.00 was appropriated for home mission work in the community. Rev. Holladay was named assistant preacher under Rev. C. M. Morris, who was assigned to pastor both the Mooringsport and Vivian churches. Presumably this allowed Rev. Holladay to continue to work the Oil City area.
1913
In December 1913, Rev. C. M. Morris appointed pastor for Mooringsport and Oil City for the coming year. J. A. Alford was assigned to Vivian, and T. J. Holladay to Coushatta.
Reverend Holladay, known by many as "Brother Jeff," went on to a long career and pastored several churches statewide, including at nearby Plain Dealing, Hosston, and Ida.
1914
A revival, featuring the preaching of the Rev. A. C. (Arch Columbus) Holder (1874-1919) of Shreveport, was held at the local skating rink.
Shreveport Times 24-Oct-1914, Page 8
Bryan (TX) Eagle 05-Apr-1913, Page 2
Despite the reported good attendance and interest at the revival, at the December conference, no pastor was assigned to Oil City. Rev. W. F. Henderson, Sr. was appointed to Mooringsport.
Reverend Holladay, known by many as "Brother Jeff," went on to a long career and pastored several churches statewide, including at nearby Plain Dealing, Hosston, and Ida.
1914
A revival, featuring the preaching of the Rev. A. C. (Arch Columbus) Holder (1874-1919) of Shreveport, was held at the local skating rink.
Shreveport Times 24-Oct-1914, Page 8
Bryan (TX) Eagle 05-Apr-1913, Page 2
Despite the reported good attendance and interest at the revival, at the December conference, no pastor was assigned to Oil City. Rev. W. F. Henderson, Sr. was appointed to Mooringsport.
1915-1918
No pastoral appointment, and presumably no church.
1919
Conference minutes noted Oil City and Trees were to be supplied (receive an interim appointment, usually a retired minister), though no one was named. The minutes noted a critical shortage of qualified ministers to fill this need at that time.
1920
OC was again to be supplied, with D. L. Griffin named for the coming year. H.C Anders was identified to have served as the prior supply pastor. Enrollment was reported as 99 members, though only seven were adults (OC and Trees reported as one).
A meeting in support of law enforcement was called at the local YMCA by evangelist Dan Kelly, noted as conducting a revival at the Methodist Church. In attendance was Caddo Parish District Attorney Lal C. Blanchard and Sheriff Tom Hughes. Rev. Kelly was the uncle of Dan Frank Anders, who later served as Oil City pastor.
Shreveport Times 27-Jun-1921, Page 2
Shreveport Times 27-Jan-1916, Page 1
Shreveport Times 03-Aug-1924, Page 3
Roy Moore was appointed pastor. Note appointments were made at the state-wide conference held annually in December. Total enrollment listed as 128 members.
An interdenominational (Baptist, Christian, and Methodist) Christmas service was held at the Methodist Church.
Shreveport Times 28-Dec-1921, Page 6
1922
A report of a multi-denominational Sunday School picnic held near Lewis identified Oil City ministers J. V. Tinnin (Baptist) and L. F. Wade (Christian) participating. Mrs. Frank Radaz and sons of the Methodist Church were also in attendance..
R. A. Bozeman appointed pastor. Total enrollment listed as 175 members.
1923
The Centenary College Glee Club performed at the church, accompanied by Dr. George Sexton, college president, who gave an address..
Shreveport Times 06-Feb-1923, Page 3
1923 Centenary College Yoncopin (yearbook)
 |
| Dr. George Sexton, Centenary President |
The church was featured in the Shreveport Times.
Shreveport Times 07-Oct-1923, Page 10
R. A. Bozeman was a first cousin of William F. Bozeman, long-time Oil City school principal.
Rev. Bozeman retained as pastor. Membership is reported as 225.
1924
W. F. Roberts was appointed pastor. Membership reported as 307 members. Note this information was reported in December each year, so the pastoral appointment was for the coming year, while the membership number reflected the prior year.
1925
R. H. Bamburg appointed pastor. Membership had dropped significantly to 175 members. To clarify the comment under 1924, the dramatic drop in membership occurred during Rev. Roberts' tenure.
1926
Pastoral Appointment: Open, pulpit supplied by David Tarver
Membership: 165.
1927
District conference held in Oil City
Shreveport Times 15-Apr-1927, Page 20
A formal dedication of the church building was held to commemorate the retiring of associated debt by funds raised from the congregation. A parsonage had also been purchased and partially paid for.
Shreveport Times 13-Aug-1927, Page 18
A quarterly meeting held in November revealed, among other items, the parsonage had been paid for.
Shreveport Times 25-Nov-1927, Page 13
Below is a 1940 photo of Dr. P. T. Alexander, identified above to be in charge of the Sunday School, and a church trustee.
Shreveport Times 14-Jan-1940, Page 9
Pastoral Appointment: C. W. Lahey.
Membership: 133.
1928
The Caddo Parish Police Jury donated tile (presumably clay pipe) in order to fill in a ditch in front of the church, to facilitate vehicle parking.
Shreveport Times 13-Jul-1928, Page 2
Pastoral Appointment: C. W. Lahey
Membership 123
1929
Pastoral Appointment: C. W. Lahey
Membership: 101
1930
Pastoral Appointment: C. W. Lahey
Membership: 131
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