Anne Moody's Church in the Old Days

Photo of original building in 1800s

By Roscoe Barnes III
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2018

#AnneMoody

Photo courtesy of Rev. LeReginald Jones

The building in the above undated photo is the original structure of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church that is featured in Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody. In the 1950s, when Moody attended the church, it was a "big white stone church." At that time, the church was "the biggest Baptist church in the area," Moody wrote in her book.

Photo courtesy of Rev. LeReginald Jones

The church is located off of Highway 24, between Centreville and Woodville, in southwest Mississippi. A concrete marker posted near the front entrance of the current church building gives a brief history of the church. It reads:

Church History

In the early 1880s after the Civil War strife, a few people of color came together with a few whites made efforts to found the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Property was donated by Mr. R.C. McNeil for the sum of one dollar to W. Felter, D. Griffin, H. McCraine and D. Grop.

               

The pastors from 1880 to 1986 were Rev. Carter, Rev. W. M. Baker, Rev. J. Cason, Rev. H. Davis, Rev. G. Davis, Rev. J. McClain, Rev. D. Tyson, Rev. R. Tyson, Rev. W. Wells, and presently, J. E. Hills.

The marker also notes: “New church erected in 1986 under leadership of Rev. J.E. Hills.” The current pastor is the Rev. L.C. Weatherspoon Sr. His assistant pastor is the Rev. LeReginald Jones.

Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in 2018

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Would you like to know MORE about Anne Moody? Visit here to

see the timeline of important events in her life history!

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For more information: 

See the Anne Moody page here.

Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi