HISTORY OF MUNHOLLAND

Munholland Methodist Church officially disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church on May 31, 2023. 

A small group of Methodists congregated in the auditorium of Metairie High School on October 22, 1936, and formed the Metairie Methodist Church. Amongst that small congregation was Susie May Munholland, who gave many gifts to construct a church that would in turn give back to its community. Eighty four years later, as Munholland helps the New Orleans community rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, Susie May Munholland would truly be proud of the church she helped to build. This documentary explores the early days of the church, throughout its major construction projects, and how the church is helping to rebuild New Orleans. This film is not meant to be a comprehensive history of Munholland United Methodist Church, but rather a historical and chronological survey of the church. There is no way to acknowledge all of the people, groups, and events that have made Munholland what it is today. 

The recent death of Ms. Gloria Young, a Munholland charter member, is a reminder that we are losing the remarkable individuals who planted a new Methodist church on Metairie Road in 1936. Under today’s Conference Rules, the intrepid band of pioneers would be declared too small a group to begin such an audacious vision. Even in 1936, they ignored advice that “proved” there were not enough Methodists in Jefferson Parish to support such a venture. (Don’t you love God’s sense of humor?)

Mrs. Young remained interested in Munholland after she moved to Baton Rouge, visiting the church on special occasions. Other pioneer members echo her support in magnificent ways. Ms. Ann Carter, raised at Munholland, recently donated a perfume bottle owned by Mrs. Munholland. It carries the family May Pharmacy name.  Mrs. Munholland, according to Mrs. Carter, babysat for her when her mother attended Women’s Missionary Society meetings and passed the cosmetic gift to her.

The perfume bottle will be displayed along with other artifacts at Munholland’s 84th anniversary in October, a reminder that our 85th year will be here soon.  In 2006, the Archives Committee sponsored a short history memory book--edited by Ms. Melissa Chailland, Ms. Margaret Schuber, and Dr. Duke Eversmeyer--in honor of our 70th anniversary.  A companion historical video,  “Winds of Change,” created by Mr. Alan Zansler, is on our website.

It’s time to celebrate who we are and how we got here once again.  The Archives Committee will be meeting soon to begin preparations. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me at sarahkreutziger@me.com.

We want to hear any and all ideas from our talented congregation.

Sarah S. Kreutziger,

Church Historian