The hill upon which the Loutre Island Church was built is located in Warren County about tow miles north of the Missouri River and overlooks the vast fertile acres of Loutre Island.
Loutre Island was first heard of in the 17th Century when French trappers came up the Missouri River, discovered the island and named it L'Outre, a French word for "otter." This hill hand the surrounding territory were once part of the hunting grounds of the Missouri Indians and abounded in elk, deer, bear and other wild game, about which the narrators of Indians history say many savage Indian wars were fought.
As early as 1798 these good sturdy, home-loving adventurous folk began to settle on the island. The rugged pioneers had little time for producing more than the necessities of life, but in 1815-17 they provided a school for the children in the block house, Fort Clemson, for from 2 to 4 months in the late summer and early fall. Comfort was unthought of. Children sat on split logs for seats while learning to read and spell. The New Testament was used as the text book.
Thinking of their spiritual defense, they would meet in the homes in groups for worship by Scripture reading and prayer.
Singing school and camp meetings were held, and out of these gatherings came the organization of a church. Records indicate as early as 1836, there was an organized class, known as the Loutre Island M.E. Church, with Andres Monroe, who,lived in Danville, as the presiding elder.
On April 13, 1841, he deed to the tract of land upon which this church now stands was made. The rock for the foundation of this building was taken from the nearby hills, presumably near the edge of the bluff. It has been said that in the cornerstone of this building were placed a document of agreement and the names of the seven stewards, a Bible and a ten-dollar gold piece.
The brick for the church building was processed on the church grounds by slaves of Mr. Talbot. With the help of slaves and Mr. Austin, the contractor, the brick were laid for the walls of the church.
from a report in the Banner written by Mrs. Maggie V. Lavender in 1943