Churches of Vicksburg

 

 

There are some truly beautiful and historically  important churches in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  As we drove around we stopped at a few so I could get some photos to share.

 

The first is the Bethel A.M.E. Church.  This church was founded by Pastor Page Tyler, in 1864, one year after the Siege of Vicksburg in the Civil War and months after the end of slavery.  The first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mississippi and the first Masonic Lodge in Mississippi were organized here in 1875,  and 1890.   Campbell College, the first African American College in Mississippi was established without the aid of whites, operated out of a building behind Bethel. The college moved to Jackson, MS in 1897 and was absorbed by Jackson State University.

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Although not a church, the bell tower located on top of the Old Court House is worth note.

Photo by Jan



Next, the Church of the Holy Trinity (circa 1869).   Holy Trinity Episcopal Church has been a place of spiritual refreshment for nearly 150 years and remains an active congregation of the Diocese of Mississippi. With its slate roof and steeple, the church can be spotted from all parts of the city. Noted in the National Register of Historic Places, Holy Trinity boasts six Tiffany stained glass windows and the only known windows to honor those who died on both sides in the Civil War. (visitvicksburg.com) 

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan



The First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg, Mississippi was established in 1830, making it the oldest established Presbyterian church in Vicksburg.  It has a long and important presence for the people of Vicksburg.  The sanctuary in use at present was dedicated in 1906. 



Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Christ Episcopal Church (circa 1839).  Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the first buildings built for public assembly in Vicksburg.  The cornerstone was laid by Bishop Leonidas Polk who later served as a Lt. General in the Confederate Army. In spite of the shelling during the siege, the Rev. W. W. Lord conducted daily services. Many original furnishings are still in use in the weekly worship services. The church features two Tiffany stained-glass windows. The church was damaged by the Union gunboats explosive shelling from the river and the rectory were so badly damaged that it had to be torn down and reconstructed around 1873. 

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

Photo by Jan

 

While there were many more lovely and I am sure historically significant churches in Vicksburg, we were only able to stop and view these few.  Also, oddly enough, one could not go inside the churches during the week so that photos could be taken without calling ahead and setting an appointment.  Our schedule of exploration of Vicksburg did not allow for this call ahead practice.  Well, at least this chapter is a short one!!  More soon :)