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Time: 2 – 5 pm
Price: Free
About the Event:
Tour begins at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College Street.
Tour four historic Columbus churches and hear a brief organ recital. A not-to-be missed opportunity to see a Tiffany window, view a sanctuary modeled on Sainte Chapelle in Paris, learn about the oldest church founded by African-Americans in 1833, and visit a church where wounded were tended after the Battle of Shiloh in April of 1862.
Annunciation Catholic Church began building what now serves as its chapel in 1863. Fr. J. B. Mouton, a French missionary, envisioned a grand church in the Gothic style of Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Due to the chaos of the Civil War, it was not completed until 15 years later. This building has been called “an architectural jewel”.
Missionary Union Baptist Church, 1207 5th Ave N. The church describes its origin as follows: “Stripped of their language and their religion, separated from relatives, friends and customs, a small group of trusted slaves conceived and organized the Missionary Union Baptist Church in 1833, in Columbus, MS, because they hoped for freedom, citizenship, justice and full equality of opportunity.” It is the oldest Black Baptist Church in Northeast Mississippi.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 318 College St. Organized in 1837, the Gothic Revival style building dates from 1860. Locate the Tiffany window that was installed in 1896 and be sure to see the rose window and surrounding Beatitudes windows in the charming chapel. The 1875 rectory that now serves as the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center was located on the property and served as Williams’ birthplace in1911 when his grandfather Walter Dakin was rector.
First United Methodist Church. 602 Main Street. First organized in 1823, the present building was begun in 1860 and completed in 1866. Impacted by the Civil War, tin on the roof was used to make canteens for soldiers, and the building was used for a hospital for the sick and wounded. After the tour of the building, Mr. James Allen, retired music professor and now organist for FUMC, will play selections on the pipe organ. The visible pipes date from 1878. This concludes the historic church tour.
Highlights: Tour four historic Columbus churches and hear a brief organ recital
About the Venue
- Location: 823 College St
Prepare for the Activity:
Event Location: Tour begins at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St.