Zion Chapel donates property for Hiram Rhodes Revels Plaza

By Roscoe Barnes, III, Visit Natchez
Natchez, MS, USA / ListenUpYall.com
Jan. 27, 2024 | 10:28 a.m.

A rendering: The City of Natchez is working to develop a portion of the M.L.K. Triangle into a community park that will be called Hiram Rhodes Revels Plaza. This rendering shows the planned statue of Hiram R. Revels, who became the first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Officials of Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church donated a portion of the church’s M.L.K. Triangle property to the City of Natchez in a special ceremony Thursday, Jan. 25, at the church. The property will be dedicated to the memory of the late Rev. Hiram Rhodes Revels, an early pastor of Zion Chapel who became the first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress. He was also the first president of Alcorn State University.

Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church officially donated a portion of its M.L.K. Triangle property to the City of Natchez on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the church. The church officials and Mayor Dan Gibson signed the required papers for the donation during a special ceremony. The property will be used for the Hiram Rhodes Revels Plaza. From left are Rev. Birdon Mitchell, pastor; Norma West, trustee pro tempore; LeVera Allen, secretary for the Trustee Board; Herman Sidney Ransom, trustee; Ernest Tony Fields, trustee; and Gibson.

Pastor Birdon Mitchell and members of the church board of trustees joined Mayor Dan Gibson in signing the property over to the city. Mitchell and Gibson were joined by Norma West, trustee pro tempore; LeVera Allen, secretary for the Trustee Board; Herman Sidney Ransom, trustee; and Ernest Tony Fields, trustee.

West presented the official offer of the property on behalf of the church and its trustee board.

Norma West, trustee pro tempore at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church, signs legal documents to transfer a portion of the M.L.K. Triangle property to the City of Natchez. She is pictured here with the Rev. Birdon Mitchell, left, pastor; LeVera Allen, secretary for the Trustee Board; and Herman Sidney Ransom, trustee.

“We consider it an honor to give this gift, a portion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle property, to the city of Natchez for the purpose of creating a community park in honor of Hiram Revels to be called Revels Plaza,” she said, noting the park will be “a place that our community and city will be proud of.”

Mitchell said he was thankful for the opportunity to honor Revels. He expressed gratitude to the church and to the city.

“Our bishop and board of trustee for the Mississippi conference are all on board with this, and they voted unanimously that we could do this along with the city,” he said. “I think this is a new day for Revel’s Plaza.

The donated property is located at N. Dr. M.L. King and St. Catherine streets. It is across the street from the church, which is at 228 N. Dr. M.L. King. Though currently known as “The M.L.K. Triangle,” the new and improved site will be called “Hiram Rhodes Revels Plaza.”

Mayor Dan Gibson, right, signs legal documents to transfer a portion of the M.L.K. Triangle property to the City of Natchez. He is pictured here with Ernest Tony Fields, trustee at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church. The property will be used for the community park, Hiram Rhodes Revels Plaza.

According to Gibson, it will be a” future city park at the gateway to Historic Downtown Natchez.”

The white two-story, historical building that sits on the west side of the property, will remain under the ownership of the church, according to church officials. The building houses Don’s Barber Style Shop on the first floor. It is owned by Don Gordon, who attended the ceremony at Zion Chapel.

According to Gibson, Gordon is one of many who supported the project from the very beginning, “even though it could affect the parking for his barbershop.” Gibson assured everyone that Gordon’s business will not be leaving.

“Don Gordon is not going anywhere,” he said. “He’s going to continue giving haircuts. The church is holding on to that building because Don’s barbershop has to continue.

“But just in front of that barbershop, Revel’s Plaza will now take shape. They may not have mention of Revels in Washington, D.C., yet, but we will have a major park dedicated to him right here at the front door of this church.”

Transferring the church property to the city is similar to how property was deeded to the city by the heirs of Stephen Duncan for what is now Duncan Park, Gibson explained.

“Just as with Duncan Park, the city can never sell this piece of property,” he said. “The property has to be used for the good of the people as a park honoring Hiram Revels. And if at any time the city goes back on that agreement, then this property will revert back to the church.”

The park will include a statute of Revels. The planned development of the site is part of the city’s official 2018 Downtown Master Plan, which was initiated to help revitalize the historic downtown area.

Several groups have been working on the project since 2018. They include Downtown Natchez Alliance and Natchez Friends of the Riverfront.

Mitchell thanked Chesney Doyle who was instrumental in organizing the city’s downtown master plan effort.

Speaking after the ceremony, Doyle said there were many who played a role in the city’s master plan.

“The visioning process for what ultimately became the city’s downtown master plan began in 2015 with a group of about 25 people, some of whom are here tonight,” she said as she noted the attendance of Darrell White, Alderwoman Sarah Smith, Monroe Sago, and Eddie Burkes, among others.

“It was under Mayor Butch Brown’s administration, after a motion and a second made by former city Alderman Tony Fields and Alderwoman Smith that we got the unanimous greenlight to proceed,” Doyle said.

“Sometimes sustainable development, growth, and change is a marathon, not a sprint, and always, always it must involve community engagement. The marathon is not over yet, but thanks to Mayor Gibson and the current city Board of Aldermen – I see Ben Davis, Felicia Irving, and Valencia Hall  here tonight — the finish line for Revels Plaza is truly in sight!”

See more here: https://listenupyall.com/2024/01/27/zion-chapel-donates-property-for-hiram-rhodes-revels-plaza/

 

Natchez Historical Society honors Smokye Joe Frank at 2024 Annual Dinner Meeting

By Roscoe Barnes III
The Natchez Democrat
Published 4:45 pm Friday, January 26, 2024 
 

Smokye Joe Frank, left, is the winner of the 2024 Historic Preservation Award. It was presented to him Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the 2024 Annual Dinner of the Natchez Historical Society held at the Natchez Grand Hotel. He is pictured here with his wife, Carol, and their son, Brandon.

NATCHEZ — Joseph “Smokye Joe” Frank received a standing ovation Tuesday night as the recipient of the 2024 Historic Preservation Award at the 2024 Annual Dinner of the Natchez Historical Society.  A total of 109 people turned out for the event which was held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 23, at the Natchez Grand Hotel. 

It was the second time in the society’s history – and second year in a row — that the dinner drew more than 100 people. Last year, just over 100 people attended during a major thunderstorm. 

 “Tuesday night’s attendance was probably the largest we’ve ever had, with last year being the second largest,” said Maria Bowser, former president of the society. “It was an outstanding evening. We appreciate the weather gods holding off and the tremendous support we received from our community. Don’t ever think history is dead.” 

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the audience enjoyed food and fellowship as they celebrated Natchez history.  Leaders of the historical society welcomed a new board member and presented financial reports.  

Presentations were given by Dr. Stuart Rockoff, executive director of the Mississippi Humanities Council and David Nolen, professor at Mississippi State University, who was the featured speaker. 

Adam Gwin, vice president of the society’s board of directors, introduced Frank before presenting him with the preservation award, which honors individuals or organizations who have made a significant contribution to historic preservation or the study of history within the Natchez area. 

“All of us who know him know of his love of history and historic material culture,” Gwin said. He noted Frank, a retired archaeologist and historian, got his start in archaeology digging at The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians under Robert Neitzel and went on to work at other Natchez sites.  

Gwin said Frank’s knowledge and love of Natchez’s history know few bounds. Frank accepted the plaque and thanked the society for the recognition. 

The plaque is inscribed with the words:  “Natchez Historical Society Proudly Presents THE PRESERVATION AWARD to Smokye Joe Frank For Significant Contributions to Historic Preservation, January 2024.” 

‘A good year’ 

Gwin welcomed Daye Dearing as a new board member, who will serve as the program chair, beginning in 2025. She is replacing Alan Wolf, who is completing his term. 

Gwin also acknowledged the generosity of Jim Johnson and Geoff Butcher, owners of The Carriage House at Myrtle Terrace, who donate their guest house to the society for out-of-town guests. They’ve hosted all of the speakers who have come during this and the past season, according to the society. 

During the business portion of the meeting, Al King, the society’s treasurer, said 2023 was a good year for the nonprofit organization.  He said the value of its investment account grew by 15 percent. 

According to King, the society’s records show a total of $9,400 in income receipts and a total of $10,500 in expenses. A major purchase during this period was a speaker system for monthly meetings, King said. Funds also went toward the building of a new website for the society. 

King reported the society’s total ending net assets at $286,166. “This is our second highest funding year,” said Bowser, noting the highest was in 2021 with total ending net assets at $289,330. 

King said the society was grateful to the Mississippi Humanities Council for the $2,400 grant it awarded in support of the society’s programs. Rockoff, who leads the humanities council, shared a few words about the council’s commitment to the humanities in Natchez and throughout Mississippi. 

“This past year, the Mississippi Humanities Council gave out 47 grants, 21 of which went to organizations we haven’t granted to before,” Rockoff said. “The Natchez Historical Society is one of these. I’ve been so impressed with how active and thoughtful the society is. The roster of speakers is truly outstanding and we are proud to help support it.” 

Rockoff explained that the council is an independent, nonprofit organization supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and also by grants and donations. 

‘Catching the Rabbit’ 

Nolen, professor and associate dean for Archives and Special Collections at Mississippi State University, was the featured speaker. He spoke on the topic, “Catching the Rabbit: U.S. Grant and the Vicksburg Campaign.” 

The idea for his topic originated in the July 2, 1863, issue of The Vicksburg Daily Citizen, in which a story dismissed Grant’s plan to end the siege of Vicksburg with its capture by July 4.  The newspaper suggested, “The way to cook a rabbit is ‘first to catch the rabbit.’”  After Vicksburg’s defeat, the Union troops reported, “Gen. Grant has ‘caught the rabbit.’”

Nolen said that “catching the rabbit” is a fitting metaphor for the entire Vicksburg campaign. 

Bobby Dennis, executive director of the NAPAC Museum, said he enjoyed the night’s program. “We didn’t know that Grant went to Raymond before going to Vicksburg,” he said. “We’re always interested in human stories and other facts related to African American history. Mr. Nolen’s presentation filled in some of the gaps on the history of the Colored Troops. It was very informative.” 

Bowser praised Nolen’s talk. “He spoke for us in 2022 and he returned by popular demand,” she said. “He was twice as wonderful this time.” 

“He was an energized speaker on a timeless topic,” said Betty Jo Harris, history instructor at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Natchez. “It is why General Grant’s assault on Vicksburg is still studied today at West Point.”

Rev. Tracy Collins of Rev’s Country Tours said Nolen’s talk was extremely informative and pleasurable. “I enjoyed his presentation and I enjoyed the company of other people who like history,” he said. “I think the talk on Grant and Vicksburg was enlightening.”

Read more at: https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2024/01/26/natchez-historical-society-honors-smokye-joe-frank-at-2024-annual-dinner-meeting/

 

 

Benefitting Beulah: Beulah Missionary Baptist receives National Trust for Historic Preservation grant

By Roscoe Barnes III

The Natchez Democrat

Members of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church said they are sincerely happy about the grant awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. From left are Rev. Dr. Johnathan T. Hargrave, pastor; Robert Morgan, deacon; and Carter Burns, executive director of Historic Natchez Foundation. Burns said the foundation is proud to have assisted the church with its application for the Preserving Black Churches grant.

Note: This story appears in the Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, issue of The Natchez Democrat (pages 1A and 6A).

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Beulah Missionary Baptist Church has been awarded a $150,000 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The funding is through the Preserving Black Churches program of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. It will be used for the restoration of the steeple and windows of the 111-year-old structure, according to church officials.

The church was “overjoyed” at the news, said the Rev. Dr. Johnathan T. Hargrave, the church’s pastor, who learned of the news on Monday, Jan. 15. Hargrave said the restoration work is “significantly needed” and the grant will make it all possible.

“Beulah has been a beacon in our community for many years, and now we can continue to let our light shine by preserving this great historic establishment,” he said.

“I am elated,” said Deacon Robert Morgan. “I’m so thankful to God for showering blessings on us. With Beulah being a small congregation, this is truly a blessing. This shows that God answers prayer.”

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church

Beulah was founded in 1896 by William Rochester, a U.S. Colored Troops veteran and commander-in-chief of the Mississippi and Louisiana Department of the Grand Army of the Republic. The church played a pivotal role in organizing for civil rights in Natchez, as it hosted many meetings and rallies.

Beulah is located at 710 Beulah Street or B Street. It was one of 31 churches out of more than 550 applicants across the United States approved for funding by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which awarded a total of $4 million for the institutions.

The funding aims to help preserve Black churches by addressing ”urgent preservation threats such as deferred maintenance and demolition, but also to strengthen their ability to steward, interpret, and fund these invaluable places and the people they serve,” according to the organization’s website.

Carter Burns, executive director of Historic Natchez Foundation, said the foundation is proud to have assisted Beulah Missionary Baptist Church with its application for the Preserving Black Churches grant.

“We are always on the lookout for grant money, and it is particularly difficult for churches to get funding,” he said. “The steeple and windows on this important landmark building are in dire need of repair and this grant will facilitate their restoration.”

Mayor Dan Gibson praised the foundation and Beulah for their work in pursuing the grant and the vision they have for improving the church and interpreting its history.

“This is truly a prayer answered,” Gibson said. “When I first learned that the steeple of this historic church was in poor condition and might eventually have to be taken down, I became hopeful that somehow grant funds could be sought. And now to learn that the Historic Natchez Foundation, working with Beulah Baptist Church, has successfully obtained this substantial grant is truly a blessing.”

Gibson said the grant “underscores the positive things happening in our community, One Natchez, working together to preserve and better tell our whole story.”

In terms of the Beulah’s history, Hargrave said that while the church was officially organized on Dec. 30, 1896, its original wooden edifice was constructed in 1901. On March 4, 1911, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1912. Bricks and an annex were later added to the church, and in 2000, structural improvements were made but did not include restoration of the steeple, according to Hargrave.

“We are more than grateful for being awarded this grant to save our steeple from further deterioration,” he said.

In Hargrave’s view, Beulah is more than just an old church. “It has been noted as the central meeting place in Natchez during the civil rights movement,” he said. “Many activists have passed away, and the survivors of those treacherous times will be happy to see the continued efforts to keep the church open and looking great. Time has evolved us into a peaceful community where we can all live and worship together.”

Hargrave said he is thankful to Morgan and Burns, “who have been persistent and worked tirelessly toward assisting” with the project.

“We never gave up, and we continued to press forward on achieving this goal,” Hargrave said. “I am reminded of a Bible scripture, Isaiah 60:22: ‘When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.’”

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church was recently awarded a $150,000 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation through its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. The funding will be used for the restoration of the steeple and windows of the 111-year-old structure. Pictured in front of the church, from left are Robert Morgan, deacon; Rev. Dr. Johnathan T. Hargrave, pastor; and Carter Burns, executive director of Historic Natchez Foundation.

Revels sculptor earns award of merit

By Roscoe Barnes III
Special to The Natchez Democrat 

Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church of Natchez, Miss., celebrated the legacy of Hiram Rhodes Revels with a bust in his hoor during an unveiling ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. From Left are Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson; Harold Woodson Jr., great-great-grandson of Hiram Revels; Rev. Birdon Mitchell, pastor of Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church; and Bob Willis, sculptor of Edmond, Okla. Revels was the first African American to serve int he U.S. Congress. He also was an early pastor of Zion Chapel and the first president of Alcorn State University.

Note: This story was published on page 3A in the Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, issue of The Natchez Democrat (Natchez, Miss.). For more information, visit NatchezDemocrat.com.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Oklahoma sculptor Bob Willis has been named a winner of an Award of Merit for his bust of Hiram Rhodes Revels, which he sculpted for Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church in September 2023, announced Brother Rogers, secretary-treasurer of the Mississippi Historical Society. Rogers made the announcement on Friday, Jan. 5.
 
“The Mississippi Historical Society is grateful to Bob Willis for his sculpture of Hiram Rhodes Revels, who as the first African American U.S. senator is significant not just in Mississippi history, but in American history,” he said.
 
Awards of Merit are presented annually by the Mississippi Historical Society to individuals or organizations for their outstanding archival, museum, or media interpretation work.
 
Willis said he was surprised to learn about the award.
 
“I am truly humbled to receive this award from the Mississippi Historical Society,” he said, noting he was deeply moved by the news. “Sculpting the bust of Hiram Rhodes Revels was a project to capture a very significant person in the rich history of Natchez, the State of Mississippi, and America. His example of dedication and service to our country is something that needs to be recognized and honored.”
 
The bust of Revels was commissioned by Zion Chapel and Visit Natchez. The church unveiled the bust during a September 30 ceremony that drew more than 70 people, including several descendants of Revels, as well as Mississippi State Senators Robert Johnson and Albert Butler, and Mayor Dan Gibson.
 
“I can think of no one more deserving than Bob Willis for this high honor,” said Mayor Gibson. “Mr. Willis is not only a talented sculptor but a man who has a heart for people and for making sure we celebrate the history and contributions of all.
 
“This bust, portraying the great Hiram Revels, is a contribution not just to Zion Chapel where Senator Revels served as an early pastor, but a contribution to all citizens of Natchez who take pride in the heroic achievements of this great American. And we are very grateful to Mr. Willis for sharing his talent in such a selfless way.”
 
Norma West, who directed the unveiling ceremony, said the honor was well deserved. “We were excited to learn about this recognition given to Mr. Willis,” she said. “The bust he sculpted of Hiram Revels is truly amazing.”
 
The Rev. Birdon Mitchell, pastor of Zion Chapel, shared similar remarks: “As I said last year, we were all ecstatic that Hiram Revels, a former pastor of our church, the first president of Alcorn College, and the first person of color to serve in the United State Senate, was being recognized in our community through this great work of art.”
 
Mitchell said he is proud of Willis and very pleased to see his work being recognized by the Mississippi Historical Society.
 
Recipients of the Awards of Merit will be formally announced at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Historical Society that will take place on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 22 and 23, 2024, at The Inn at Ole Miss in Oxford.
 
The awards will be presented at the Awards Luncheon at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23. Willis is invited to attend the luncheon.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade slated for Monday, Jan. 15

By Roscoe Barnes III, Visit Natchez
Natchez, MS, USA / ListenUpYall.com
Dec 29, 2023 | 1:45 PM

Leola Harris and Chief Cal Green

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Retired educator Leola Harris and Natchez Police Chief Cal Green will serve as co-grand marshals for the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, which is set for 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in downtown Natchez.

“This will be an exciting event and a great way to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Jacqueline Marsaw, who chairs the parade committee. “We will have a broad range of participation by individuals and by many different groups. We invite everybody to come out and be part of this important event.”

In addition to King, several people will be recognized for their work in the struggle for civil rights. Marsaw said the honorees include U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.); Philip West, former mayor of Natchez; Barney J. Schoby, the first black elected to serve on the Adams County Board of Supervisors; and the late Rev. Leon Howard.

“We want to honor those who fought for civil rights,” Marsaw said, adding their work should never be forgotten.

The parade is sponsored by The Natchez Branch of the NAACP. It is an annual event held for the entire Mis-Lou community.

Marsaw said the parade route will be the same as in 2023 and previous years, beginning with the lineup for the parade at 2 p.m. on Broadway Street.

The parade route will begin at North Broadway and Franklin streets and will travel along Franklin to N. Dr. M.L. King St., where it will turn left and proceed up to Minor Street, where it will end.

At the conclusion of the parade, trophy presentations will be given at the corner of Dr. M.L. King and High streets for the best float, the baddest vehicle, bands, and dance groups.

Both the float contest and vehicle contest will have first- through fifth-place awards presented, Marsaw said.

The deadline for registration to participate in the parade is Monday, Jan. 10, 2024

In a flyer distributed for promotion, Marsaw said that certain groups that participate are asked to make a donation of $50 “for unlimited entries.” These groups include churches, civic organizations, sororities, fraternities, Mardi Gras krewes, clubs and businesses, among others.

Motorcycle participants are asked to contact Lee Ford via Marsaw at 601-443-1350. Other entry fees include $10 for a single car or truck. The fee for horses is $5 per horse.

Marsaw said there is no cost or entry fee for the groups that provide entertainment for the parade. These groups include bands, the ROTC, and dance teams.

Anyone desiring to make a donation or pay an entry fee is asked to make all checks payable to the Natchez Branch NAACP and send them to Natchez Branch NAACP, P.O. Box 733, Natchez, MS 39120.

For more information on the parade, call Chairperson Jacqueline Marsaw at 601-443-1350.

See more here: https://listenupyall.com/2023/12/29/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-parade-slated-for-monday-jan-15/