Who we are

When two became one...

On April 24, 1983, the St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church was “born.” The church was the joining together of two Lake Charles United Methodist Churches. Simpson United Methodist Church was the oldest United Methodist congregation in Lake Charles. Simpson had entered a period of decline in the late 70’s. By the early 80’s, the St. Luke United Methodist Church had experienced a good bit of growth and was looking to expand their ministry. Prayerful conversation and discernment led the two congregations to join in ministry and mission and St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church was “born.” One of the originating pastors, The Rev. Dr. Chuck Simmons said of the joining together, “It is a rare occasion for members of two churches to capture a vision bigger than their differences, and it ought to be celebrated. You don't forget the old, but you start again." Throughout the years, St. Luke-Simpson has been just that kind of church…the kind of church that is gracious and welcoming; inclusive and invitational; and, evangelical and of good spirit. It has been the kind of the church that has experienced strong Pastoral leadership and vision; engaging and dynamic ministry for children and youth and adults; an ever present strong heartbeat for mission; and, dynamic Spirit-filled worship and the arts. And, it is and has continued to be “born again and again.” Jesus tells us in the scriptures that we must be “born again.” I think that this is also true of His beloved church. We are not just “born again”…one and done…rather we are to constantly… continuously born “again and again…” And, so is the church. In Isaiah, the scripture tells is that God says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now, it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (IS 43:19 ESV) So, not only are we to be “born again,” we are to look for the new things that God is doing. Gladly, I tell you that God is, indeed, doing a “new thing” at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church. And, you are invited to come and see along with us that “new thing.” Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie, Lead Pastor St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church

Our History

  • March 2, 1890
    The church was organized under the leadership of Rev. C.A. King. Services were held in the Masonic Hall for the first 8 years.
  • 1898
    The church was built on the corner of Pujo and Moss Streets. It was known as the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
  • 1939
    The branches of Methodism merged and the name was changed to Simpson Methodist Church to honor a Methodist bishop.
  • November 14, 1954
    The church moved to its new location.
  • 1956
    The old church property was sold for $52,000 and the funds were used to construct another building. the National Board of Missions for the Methodist Church bought property on Jefferson St. to start a church for people moving into the university area of town. Rev. Taylor Wall was appointed as pastor of the new church, Named St. Luke. At first, the congregation met at the Wesley Foundation at McNeese.
  • 1957
    The church was organized on January 15, 1957 and held its first service on Jefferson Street on February 3, 1957.
  • 1959
    A third building was completed.
  • May 1962
    Third building was dedicated.
  • 1983
    The St. Luke and Simpson congregations merged. Dr. Charles B. Simmons pastored the merged congregation, which first met together on Jefferson Street on April 24, 1983.
  • 1988
    The church purchased 17 acres of land on Country Club Road. Under the leadership of Dr. Tommy Dunbar, construction began on a new church in the summer.
  • 1999
    A gym/fellowship hall and a youth wing were built while Rev. James Humphreys served as pastor.
  • 2003
    Rev. Henry Bowdon and Rev. Karl Klaus were leading the church as money that was received from the Herbert Hadley Estate was used to add six rooms to the office complex.
  • 2007
    The new childcare center was built.
  • 2010
    A two-story youth building was constructed to hold the growing youth group. The building consists of a kitchen, game room, meeting/fellowship area and 7 classrooms used for Sunday School and the Scout program.

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