Edmond’s Bob Willis creates bust of historic trailblazer Hiram Rhodes Revels

Published by The Edmond Way
Monday, October 16, 2023

Hiram Rhodes Revels bust by Edmond's Bob Willis

EDMOND, Okla. – Bob Willis, longtime resident of Edmond, sculpted a bust of Hiram Rhodes Revels that was recognized in an unveiling ceremony on Sept. 30 at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church in Natchez, Miss.

Revels was an early pastor of Zion Chapel. In 1870, he became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress. Following his time in office, Revels became the first president of Alcorn A&M College, which is now Alcorn State University, in Lorman, Miss.

Zion Chapel, with assistance from Visit Natchez, hired Willis to create the bust in Revel’s honor. The church presented Willis’ work to the public during the afternoon ceremony that drew more than 70 people, including several descendants of Revels, as well as Mississippi State Senators Robert Johnson and Albert Butler.

“It was my honor to sculpt a bust of Hiram Revels, recognizing his faithful service to his community, to our Country, and to our God,” said Willis, a retired pastor with a passion for telling stories through his art.

Over the years, Willis has sculpted several busts related to Natchez, including one of John Roy Lynch, which he donated to the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. His work shows a special interest in Natchez’s history.

Harold Woodson Jr., great-great-grandson of Hiram Revels, left, shakes hands with Bob Willis who sculpted the bust of Revels.

In addition to Willis, speakers for the unveiling ceremony included Norma West, director of ceremony; the Rev. Birdon Mitchell, pastor of Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church; Rev. Dr. C. Edward “CJ” Rhodes II, director of Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute for Ethical Leadership at Alcorn State University; Harold Woodson Jr., great-great-grandson of Hiram Revels; Madge Thompson, great-granddaughter of Revels; and the honorable Dan Gibson, mayor of Natchez. Tony Fields, Zion Chapel’s minister of music, provided the music for the ceremony.

Willis said he appreciated the opportunity to recognize Revels through his work.

Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez, said that he and Visit Natchez were happy to assist with the Zion Chapel program. He said that Willis’ work was phenomenal and that it captured an exact likeness of Revels.

“The resemblance is simply stunning,” Barnes said. “Not only does it look exactly like the photos we have of Revels, but it also resembles his descendants. We are all grateful to Willis for his talent and his amazing creation.”

Barnes said that he and Visit Natchez are also proud of Mitchell and Zion Chapel for honoring Revels “with this important work of art by Bob Willis.” Barnes said the bust is not only an exceptional piece of art, but it is a tool through which the story of Hiram Revels will be told for generations to come.

Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church of Natchez, Miss., celebrated the legacy of Hiram Rhodes Revels with a bust in his honor during a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 30. 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 in the U.S. Congress. He also was an early pastor of Zion Chapel and the first president of Alcorn State University.