Gulfside Assembly 20 years after Katrina

E. Dwight Franklin helps with the gutting of his parents’ home in New Orleans six months after Hurricane Katrina. Virginia Tech student Ivy Gorman (background) was part of a team from her school working through the Louisiana United Methodist Storm Recovery Center during their spring vacation. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.


In Waveland, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico, there’s an oceanfront paradise that’s also a United Methodist Heritage Landmark. For decades during segregation, Gulfside Assembly was a retreat for African American Methodists who spent summers enjoying tent revivals and recreation. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina washed away the summer retreat, but those who remember Gulfside Assembly hope to see this hallowed place restored.

Support the current work of the Gulfside Association in the Community of Waveland, Mississippi, through Advance #760235.

Learn more about the documentary “The Sanctuary by the Sea: The Gulfside Assembly Story.”

Read related:

After hurricanes, Gulfside ministry marches on

Gulfside Assembly re-imagining future of historic site

‘We have to rebuild Gulfside,’ United Methodists say

Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets

A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.
Instructor Marion McAuley (center facing camera) teaches students how to drive screws with an electric drill at the Women in Construction program in Biloxi, Miss. An initiative of  Moore Community House —  a National Mission Institution supported by United Women in Faith — the program prepares women for careers in the skilled trades. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Program helps women build construction careers

In a job market rife with low-paying hospitality jobs, getting hired as a construction worker offers a path to a better life for women. An innovative Mississippi program, supported by United Women in Faith, helps them get there.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved