BONNE TERRE HISTORY

The Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church South began in 1882 with 26 charter members and Rev. David J. Marquis. The first church was started in 1883 and finished in 1885. At the time the congregation was on the same circuit as East Bonne Terre and Doe Run. In 1884 the church became part of the St. Louis Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The present church building was begun in 1918 and finished in 1919. It cost just under $23,000 with materials and labor being expensive because of the war. Rev. W. J. Velvick, who lived to be 94, oversaw the construction during his tenure. The church also has a parsonage which was built in 1964. For more information, see Blackwell, Robert M., "Bonne Terre: The First Hundred Years", Bonne Terre Centennial Corporation, 1964. This book is available in the reference section of the library