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Ocean Springs
Churches
BRIEF
CHURCH
HISTORIES
Roman Catholic
When
Father Bordenave was assigned to remain at Fort Maurepas in April
1699, by d'Iberville to minister to the first colonists, the Roman
Catholic Church commenced its long history in the area. For over a
hundred years, the Catholics of the Mississippi coast were without
priests and their spiritual needs were attended to by visiting
missionaries from Mobile and New Orleans. After the cathedral
parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was established at
Biloxi in 1843, a new period began in the care of Gulf Coast
Catholics. Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Handsboro, and Mississippi
City were considered a part of the Biloxi church.
A
sanctuary wasn't erected in the small village of Ocean Springs until
Bishop Elder of the Diocese of Natchez determined that the
population could support a mission. In 1859, after buying a lot
from Joseph Bellande on the northwest corner of present day Porter
and Dewey Avenues, Bishop Elder had a simple church built. Father
Georget of Biloxi served the parish of St. Alphonsus as a visiting
priest. The parish moved to its present location on Jackson Avenue
north of Calhoun when a new church was dedicated in February 1874.
The Catholic school opened in October 1887, under the direction of
the Marianite Sister of the Holy Cross. The present day sanctuary
and rectory were erected in 1961, when Father Francis Deignan served
the people of St. Alphonus.
Ocean
Springs got a new Catholic parish in September 1975, when the St.
Elizabeth Seton Parish was organized for the people in the eastern
section of the city. The Reverend Noel Fannon, a native of Ireland,
was the first pastor and remained with the parish through the
building of the new church in 1988.
In
October 1975, the first church services were held in a rented empty
furniture store on Highway 90. A few months later, the parish moved
to a former nightclub also on U.S. 90. A ten acre site was
purchased on Riley Road and by the summer of 1977, a multi-purpose
building was under construction which served as a church. The St.
Elizabeth Seton church was dedicated in Janaury 1988. The Reverend
George Kitchin became the second pastor in February 1988, and is
still with the people of St. Elizabeth Seton.
Baptist
The
First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs was organized in 1832, by
Elder George Davis. It was called the Tidewater Baptist Church and
was located on Davis Bayou. Because of the transitory nature of the
settlers, the church disbanded circa 1840. In 1847, the Baptists in
the area were strongly reunited by Elder Philip P. Bowen.
In
1874, the Tidewater Baptist Church became known as the Ocean Springs
Baptist Church and moved in 1876, to a small rental house near the
L&N depot. In 1878, a sanctuary was built on the northwest corner
of Desoto and Church Street. The Baptists of the community
worshiped here until the structure was severely damaged in the
Hurricane of September 1906.
In the
spring of 1909, Burr & Bradford erected a new sanctuary on land
donated by George W. Davis (1842-1914), a descendant of the Davis
family of the Tidewater Baptist Church on Davis Bayou. The building
was situated on the northwest corner of Porter and Bellande. The
church called its first full-time pastor, the Reverend John E.
Barnes, in 1932. Sanborn insurance maps indicate that the Porter
Avenue edifice was remodeled and enlarged before 1935. A post-1935
renovation occurred resulting in the present structure, which is
used for storage.
In
1958, the heirs of E.W. Illing (1980-1947) sold their property on
the northeast corner of Washington Avenue and Porter to the First
Baptist Church of Ocean Springs. This conveyance terminated the
long history of the cinema entrepreneurship of the Illing family at
this location. The Baptist under the leadership of the Reverend
Paul D. Aultman erected a new sanctuary here. It was built to
accommodate approximately twelve hundred persons and was dedicated
on May 11, 1969.
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Methodist
The
Methodist Church at Ocean Springs was organized in 1853, by the
Reverend James Sampey. It wasn't until 1870 that a church building
was erected on the north side of Porter near Washington. Elizabeth
M. Stuart (1840-1925) who was a strong financial supporter of the
Methodists' efforts here became the first registered member when the
new building was dedicated in 1872. In April 1900, the Methodist
Church was torn down and the materials sold to druggist, Herman Nill
(1863-1904). The salvaged lumber was used by the Vahle family to
erect a hotel, the Vahle House, on the northwest corner of
Washington and Calhoun. In 1901, a new sanctuary was constructed on
the southeast corner of Porter and Rayburn on a lot donated by
Bishop Kenner. After the death of Mrs. Stuart in January 1925, a
relative, W.C. Howcott of New Orleans, donated money for a memorial
to the Stuarts and Bishop Keener. Three large stained glass windows
and a group of Sunday school and social rooms were added to the
church in their honor.
By
1950, the Ocean Springs church had become a station church. The
Reverend William L. Elkin was the first full time pastor. The next
decade saw a growing church population and the need for a larger
sanctuary. In 1962, the congregation moved into a new brick
structure at the same location as the 1901 structure. The Stuart
memorial windows were integrated into the new church.
By
1998,
St. Paul United Methodist Church had over one thousand members and
had outgrown its present location on Porter Street. A committee
investigated the purchase of land in the eastern part of town for a
new complex of church buildings and sports fields. Seventeen
acres of land were purchased in 1998
in Section 30, T7S-R7W, just west of the northwest corner of the
intersection of US Highway 90 and Ms. Highway 57. Here in November
2001, ground was broken for the Christian Life Center, a 28,000
square-foot structure. The three million dollar facility was to
house a family life center, fellowship hall, Sunday school
classrooms, three nurseries, and a youth activity room. A soccer
pitch and ball diamond were planned for outside activities.(The
Mississippi Press, November 12, 2001, p. 6-A)
The new facility was built by Fletcher Construction Company of
Pascagoula, Mississippi as the first phase of a Christian Life Center
concept. The building was composed of: offices, classrooms, fellowship
hall, and gymnasium, which will serve as the sanctuary, until Phase
II, the actual sanctuary, is built.(The Mississippi Press, June
15, 2003, p. 8-A)
On May 11th, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church had its first
church services in new its Christian Life Center on US 90. The
old sanctuary on
Porter continues for parishioners who want to remain at the downtown
location. Bishop
Kenneth L. Carder consecrated the new facility on June 15,
2003.Sanctuary dedicated on June 15, 2003.(The Ocean
Springs Record, May 15, 2003, p. A-1 and The Mississippi Press, June 16, 2003, p. 1-A)
SOME EARLY METHODIST HISTORY at OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
In
the late 19th Century, the Ocean Springs and Pascagoula circuits
were the strongholds of Methodism on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As
early as 1853, Methodist circuit riding ministers had come here from
Alabama. In its early period, the faithful of Ocean Springs were
under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Conference and a mission of
the Pascagoula Circuit.( The Methodist Advocate, December
19, 1962, p. 4)
In February 1889, James G. Galloway, a young itinerant Methodist
preacher who resided with Colonel William R. Stuart (1820-1894) at
Ocean Springs, writing for The New Orleans Christian
Advocate, described his ministry in this area:
My work embraces Ocean Springs, Handsboro, Mississippi City, and
Biloxi. Ocean Springs as the strongest membership, and half of my
time goes to that place. At Handsboro our church is very weak, and
we have no house of worship, but will make an effort to build one
this year. We have no church at Mississippi City, but preach in the
courthouse once a month. Biloxi is a town of about four thousand
inhabitants, and is growing rapidly. Here, too, our church is very
weak: Catholicism has the stronghold.(
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
February 28, 1889, p. 1)
Roman Catholicism came to our shore in April 1699, with the
expedition of French Canadian, soldier of fortune, Pierre Le Moyne,
Sieur d'Iberville (1661-1706). Father Bordenave, the chaplain on
the Badine, was assigned by d'Iberville to remain at Fort Maurepas
(1699-1702). His duties were to minister to the spiritual needs of
the French and Canadian soldiers, privateers, and Native Americans.
The Recollect priest, Father Anastasius Douay, a seasoned veteran of
North American expeditions, requested to return to his monastery in
France. Admiral Le Moyne regretted that he did not have a Jesuit
missionary who would learn the native languages swiftly. Father
Douay had survived the disastrous Cavalier de La Salle Expedition of
1684-1687 which had failed to locate the Mississippi River's deltaic
mouth.(McWilliams, 1981, p. 93 and Dufour, 1967, pp. 14-22)
It wasn't until after the Louisiana Purchase (1803) that Protestant
Americans began to migrate into the southwest frontier, which in the
early 19th Century comprised primarily the former colonies of
strongly Catholic, France and Spain. After over a century of
colonialism, the Roman Catholic Church was strongly rooted in this
area, and the frustrations of Preacher Galloway in expanding the
Methodist faith on the Mississippi coast, westward of Ocean Springs,
are quite understandable.
In October 1889, Reverend Galloway wrote in the same journal, that
the Mission Board of the Mississippi Conference was spending
thousands of dollars in Mexico. He felt that more attention should
be given to their missionary efforts on the Mississippi coast,
especially Biloxi, which had a Catholic population of over 1200
souls, but less than fifty Methodists. Galloway felt the situation
would not improve as long as the Methodist minister visited Biloxi
only one Sunday each month.( The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
October 31, 1889)
First sanctuary
It appears that the first Methodist house of worship at Ocean
Springs was erected in the latter part of 1871. The one-story,
wood, frame structure was located on the north side of Porter about
one hundred feet west of Washington Avenue. The new church had an
area of about 1400 square feet. (Sanborn Map Company (NY), "Ocean
Springs, Ms.", Sheet 2, August 1893)
On March 17, 1872, Bishop John Christian Keener (1819-1906), the
thirteenth bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the South,
dedicated the Methodist church building at Ocean Springs. At the
time, this house of worship was the only Protestant church at Ocean
Springs. The Methodist edifice was described as "a very
handsome structure, neat and complete, outside and in, and costing
altogether $1500". The church lot adjacent to Nill's
Drugstore was donated by a "German brother", probably W.B. Schmidt
(1823-1901). Another generous gift to the church was the communion
service and baptismal bowl of Mrs. W.R. Stuart (1840-1925), then a
resident of New Orleans. The Reverend E.J. Taylor was appointed the
minister of the Ocean Springs church.(The New Orleans Christian
Advocate, March 28, 1872)
By March 1875, the presiding elder of the district, Reverend C.F.
Gillespie, reported in The New Orleans Christian Advocate, a journal
for the Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana Conferences of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, "we were pleased to find the
church so beautifully improved. It is not only neat and
comfortable, but is now an ornament to the town". David
Ayers, the patriarch of Galveston, Texas, was the benefactor who
provided the finances for the improvements to the local church. His
son, Frank H. Ayers, and grandson, resided at Ocean Springs. The
aging Reverend Joseph Nicholson (1811-1886) had taken over the Ocean
Springs church and the mission at Handsboro, as his predecessors had
failed in their religious endeavors.(The New Orleans Christian
Advocate, March 4, 1875, p. 1)
David Ayers was a veteran of the War of 1812. He brought his family
to Texas in 1833. On behalf of the American Bible Society, they
distributed bibles to new settlers. Settling first in San
Patricio, David Ayers moved to Washington County where he became a
friend to many leaders of the Texas Revolution. When William B.
Travis went to the Alamo, he left his son, Charles, in Ayers' care.
During the runaway scrape, Ayers led many families to safety.
David Ayers was born at Morristown, New Jersey and veteran of the
War of 1812. He brought his family to Texas in 1833. On behalf of
the American Bible Society, they distributed bibles to new
settlers. Settling first in San Patricio, David Ayers moved to
Washington County where he became a friend to many leaders of the
Texas Revolution. When William B. Travis went to the Alamo, he
left his son, Charles, in Ayers' care. During the runaway scrape,
Ayers led many families to safety. In 1847, he moved his family to
Galveston, where he
opened a mercantile business and served for a time as a United
States deputy marshal. In 1857-58 he was publisher of the Texas
Christian Advocate and wrote some of the earliest accounts of
Methodism in Texas. He was a major contributor to the building of
St. James Methodist Church in Galveston. Ayres died on October 25,
1881, and is buried in Galveston. (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/fay5.html)
Sunday school picnics
In May 1877, the Methodist Sunday school class held a
picnic on the banks of Old Fort Bayou. Alvin Hoke was chosen to
carry the silk banner, which read: In God We Trust”. He was
assisted by Roberta Staples and Mattie Dunlap in the parade of
children to the picnic grounds. Here the youngsters engaged in play
until the dinner hour: swinging, boat-riding, singing, croquet.
Three tables of food were prepared by Madames Park, Perin, Bartlett,
Foster, Austin, Nicholson, and Clark. Superintendent M.S. Park was
given a cake by Miss Olivia Clark, daughter of the sheriff. A May
queen was selected after the mid-day meal. Miss Vergie Perin was
selected for the honor. R.A. VanCleve was presented a bouquet by
Superintendent Park.(The Star of Pascagoula, May 18, 1877, pp. 1
and 2)
The May 1878 picnic of the Ocean Springs Methodist Sunday School.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 24, 1878, p. 2)
Little City of Prophets
By August 1879, Ocean Springs had become "the little city of the
prophets", as it was the home of the Methodist preachers on the
Mississippi coast. Bishop J.C. Keener, Dr. Joseph Burch Walker
(1817-1897), Brother Robert B. Downer (1837-1912), Brother Joseph
Nicholson (1811-1886), and Dr. Dunlap all had good quality
residences here. The circuit preacher lived with Colonel William R.
Stuart.(New Orleans Christian Advocate, August 14, 1879)
Circa 1875, Bishop Keener and his wife, Mary Anna Keener
(1821-1903), who resided at 1007 Dublin on the corner of Elm Street
at Carrollton, then a suburb of New Orleans, had built a summer home
on the Bay of Biloxi near Plummer's Point at Ocean Springs. The
Keener lands were situated in Block 14, Lots 10, 11, and 13 (Culmseig
Map) of Section 25, T7S-R9W, north of the L&N Railroad. Bishop
Keener began acquiring real estate on Plummer's Point as early as
July 1839. The Keener home was called "Cherry Wild".(JXCO, Ms. Land
Deed Bk. 6, pp. 477-478 and New Orleans Christian Advocate, August
14, 1879)
Bishop Keener probably influenced the Reverend Joseph Burch Walker,
also a Methodist minister, to erect a summer retreat here. Dr.
Walker served at several parishes in New Orleans and Algiers as he
ministered here for several decades. Walker established a summer
home here on the Bay of Biloxi circa 1860, and owned the property
until April 1891. His residence was also situated at Plummer's
Point directly south of the Keener place. It is very possible that
Dr. Walker also knew the Ayres family as he was stationed at St.
John's in Galveston, Texas in 1871.(The Ocean Springs Record,
January 2, 1997, p. 14 and The New Orleans Daily Picayune, February
27, 1897)
In February 1897, the Reverend Walker died at "Pecan Grove", his
farm and dairy, north of Gulfport on the Gulf & Ship Island
Railroad. His remains were transported by rail to Ocean Springs for
internment in the Evergreen Cemetery. It is appropriate that his
long time friend and fellow clergyman, Bishop J.C. Keener, conducted
the burial services at the gravesite.(The Biloxi Daily Herald,
March 6, 1897, p. 4)
In February 1912, Samuel Spencer Keener, a resident of Monroe,
Louisiana and the executor of the estate of his father, Bishop J.C.
Keener, sold "Cherry Wild" to Dr. William A. Porter (1850-1921), a
retired physician from St. Louis for $3000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.
37, pp. 623-624)
His wife, Pearl Dickinson Porter (1862-1943), affectionately known
as "Auntie Pearl", taught Sunday School at the First Presbyterian
Church of Ocean Springs. The Porters called their home bay front
home, "While-A-Way- Lodge". It was an often photographed structure
and many postal cards survive today. Mrs. Porter sold her estate to
the L&N Railroad in the 1930s.(Roberts and Bellande, 1996, p. 93)
Tidbits
Christian Keener, son of the Bishop, preached in the Methodist
Church on Sunday.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 26,
1878, p. 3)
Reverend W.W. Hopper preached at the Methodist Church.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, June 21, 1878, p. 3)
In late 1879 or early
January 1880, the Reverend Dr. T.S. West was assigned to the Ocean
Springs Methodist church. He called for a quarterly meeting in
late January.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 16, 1880, p.
3)
In
a Sunday service in July 1880, the Reverend Dr. T.S. West failed to
make it to the church on time. The Methodist congregation left as a
body and went to the Baptist church service. Mr. Hall, the Baptist
speaker, was very surprised but presented an excellent homily.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 9, 1880, p. 3)
In March 1881, a benefit for the local Methodist church was held at
Illing House. The affair was characterized by charades, a tableaux,
and supper.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, March 11, 1881, p. 3)
In November 1891, entrepreneur, Albert Baldwin (1840-1911) of New
Orleans, donated Lot, No. 14 in Block 1-Stuart Tract, on the
northeast corner of Porter and Pecan Street (present day Ward
Avenue) to be used as the site for the parsonage of the minister of
the Ocean Springs Methodist Episcopal Church. The lot and
improvements were sold to B.F. Beevers by the Church, in March 1902,
for $550.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 13, pp. 134-135 and Bk. 24, pp.
394-395).
The Stuarts and Methodism
William R. Stuart (1820-1894) and Lizzie McCauley Stuart (1840-1925)
supported the First Methodist Church at Ocean Springs, which was
located on the north side of Porter near Washington Avenue and built
in 1872. In the spring of 1891, a writer for The New Orleans
Christian Advocate visited Ocean Springs and gave a glowing
report of the Methodist Church at this time:
The writer enjoyed a trip to Ocean Springs, on Saturday last, where
he was elegantly entertained at the typical Methodist Southern home
of Col. And Mrs. W.R. Stuart, both well known for their
warm-heartedness and Christian hospitality. Sister Stuart, who was
for over twenty-seven years bedridden, has for the past six years
slowly recovering, so that she is able, accompanied by her faithful
nurse, to walk about the house and grounds. Her patient, gentle
submission to God’s will through all these years of trial have
preached sermons to many. God be praised for his loving kindness to
our church for giving us such Methodists as Brother and Sister
Stuart!
The congregation at the M.E. Church, South, Sunday morning, while
not large, was very attentive, which was also true of the
Sunday-school, superintended by Brother Shannon, a faithful local
preacher. The song service, conducted by Brother Wm. R. Stuart, was
charming. Mrs. Webb presided at the organ; a lady friend adding
much to the music by playing the violin.
Ocean Springs is improving very fast. Over ten new houses, mostly
residences, are now being erected. It is a delightful place to live
in. So thinks Bishop Keener, who selected this place for his summer
home years ago.(The
New Orleans Christian Advocate, April 23, 1891)
The corporal remains of Colonel W.R. Stuart, Elizabeth
McCauley Stuart, and their faithful servant, Tempy Burton
(1821-1925), are interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort
Bayou at Ocean Springs.
1899 Methodist Church
(southeast corner of
Porter and Rayburn-image post 1934)
The 2nd Church
The second Methodist Church building to be constructed at Ocean
Springs was erected in late 1899. The future building site was
purchased from Jerry O' Keefe (1859-1911) by Bishop J.C. Keener on
October 15, 1897, for $1100. The Keener lot, described as parts of
Lot 1 and Lot 2 in Block 31 (Culmseig Map), was located on the
southeast corner of Porter and Rayburn. The dimensions were 136
feet on the south side of Porter by 264 feet on the east side of
Rayburn.( Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Book 18, pp. 411-412).
Bishop Keener donated his lot to the Board of Trustees
of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in Ocean Springs. At the
time of conveyance in August 1898, this board comprised the
following persons: Oren Switzer, Thomas W. Grayson (1825-1904),
William Toche (1862-1937), J.W. Clark, D.D. Cowan (1850-1929), O.
Johnson, and Dr. A. Harry Shannon (1831-pre 1909).(JXCO, Ms. Land
Deed Bk. 19, pp. 178-179)
Initial reaction to the Keener land donation was to move
the existing 1872 church building near Washington Avenue to the
Porter-Rayburn site. It appears that a house suitable for a
parsonage was already here. This concept quickly dissipated and the
decision to proceed with a new sanctuary was made.(The New
Orleans Christian Advocate, April 6, 1899)
In order to erect a church edifice on the lot given by
Bishop Keener, the Trustees of the Ocean Springs Methodist Church in
April 1899, decided to sell their house of worship and lot, near
Washington Avenue. The church was offered to the public for $700
while the Methodist parsonage and grounds were priced at $900.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star", April 7, 1899, p. 3)
During the summer of 1899, enthusiasm in the Methodist Episcopal
congregation on Porter for a new church building was high as members
embarked enthusiastically to raise funds in the community. The
proprietors of the lumber mills at Moss Point, the Dantzler Lumber
Company, W. Denny & Company, the Moss Point Lumber Company, Bounds
Mill, and Robinson & Company, made financial contributions amounting
to three hundred dollars. The wholesale grocery firm, Schmidt &
Ziegler of New Orleans, donated $50.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star
July 28, 1899, September 28, 1900, and November 17, 1899)
With these and other satisfactory accumulations of
pecuniary gifts, The Pascagoula Democrat-Star
announced on August 11, 1899, "the lumber is on the ground for
the Methodist church building".
Additional funds to defray the building costs of
the new Methodist Episcopal house of worship would come into the
church treasury, after it was erected. The old sanctuary was sold
to local pharmacist, Herman Nill (1863-1904), in April 1900.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 27, 1900)
Nill's Drug Store was on the northwest corner of Washington at
Porter, just east of the old edifice. Nill utilized the lumber and
materials from the Methodist church to erect a hotel for his
mother-in-law, Katherine Vahle (1838-1914). The Vahle House was
located on the northwest corner of Washington at Calhoun opposite
the Shanahan House. It was destroyed in a conflagration, known as
"The Big Fire", which occurred on the evening of November 15, 1916.
As previously mentioned, the parsonage on Porter and Ward were sold
in March 1902, for $550.(Bellande, 1994, pp. 108-111)
Rev. Howard Ware van Hook
In early January 1900, the new minister, Reverend Howard Ware Van
Hook (1866-1947), with family arrived at Ocean Springs. They
settled in the Bishop Keener donated parsonage on the east side of
the sanctuary.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 5, 1900)
Reverend Van Hook was born at New Orleans. His
wife, Eleanor Ormond (1871-1947+), was a native of Meridian,
Mississippi. Her mother and sister, Mrs. Lowther, were residing at
Jackson in 1900. They visited Ocean Springs remaining as long as
one month at the parsonage.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, August
24, 1900)
The Van Hooks had six children: Eleanor Van Hook (1895-1912),
Benjamin O. Van Hook (1899-1986+), Eugenia V. Redding (1902-1991),
Mary V. McAllister (1903-1986), Julia V. Oberhausen (b. 1905), and
Francis V. Graham (1910-1973).(Charlene Cole, July 1, 1997)
On January 6, 1900, Preacher Van Hook delivered his
first sermons in the old church at both morning and evening Sunday
services. The attendance of the congregation was large and
attentive. His first service was held in the new Methodist church
on May 19, 1900. Although not finished, the reporter for The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star related that "it is comfortable
and spacious, and an improvement on the location of the old church.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 12, 1900 and May 25, 1900)
The Methodist Episcopal Church building was dedicated on Sunday,
September 16, 1900, by Bishop Keener and Reverend W.H. Lewis.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star on September 28, 1900, reporting on
the memorable event said that:
The building is located in one of the most desirable lots
in Ocean Springs, which lot with adjoining patronage is a twentieth
century offering of Bishop Keener and wife to the Methodist
church.... The auditorium is large and possesses fine acoustic
properties. The dedicatory services were peculiar in that there
were no debts to be removed, hence no special collection was taken;
a singular fact on such occasions. The membership of the church to
show their appreciation for the years of friendship and helpfulness
shown to them by Bishop Keener, have named their new place of
worship KEENER CHAPEL.
The Reverend Samuel S. Keener of New Orleans, delivered
the sermon at the dedication.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
September 7, 1900)
Reverend Van Hook and family departed Ocean Springs in
December 1901. His forty-five year, peripatetic career, as a
circuit riding preacher, church minister, school teacher, and
recreation worker, would see Van Hook serve Methodist congregations
at Lauderdale, Meridian, Rolling Fork, Ocean Springs, Biloxi,
Woodville, Centreville, Silver City, Merryville, La., Sumrall,
Vancleave, and Handsboro. Circa 1910, Reverend Van Hook became head
master at the Methodist Sea Shore Camp Ground School at Biloxi. He
resigned from this position in May 1925.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, January 26, 1900 and The Daily Herald, January 28,
1947, p. 1and p. 3 and October 3, 1976, B11 and B13)
Church Library
In January 1906, the nucleus of the church library was commenced
when Mrs. Mattie L. Holcomb (1833-1906), the widow of Thomas A.E.
Holcomb (1831-1897), donated books from her home library. Mrs.
Holcomb's residence, "Hollywood", was located directly across the
street from the Methodist sanctuary, on the north side of Porter.
Mrs. Holcomb's gifts included Henry's Exposition and Clark's
Commentaries, as well as several other historical and theological
offerings.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 26, 1906)
Mrs. Stuart’s legacy
In October 1925, with the execution of the succession of the estate
of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Stuart (1840-1925), by her cousin, William H.
Howcutt (1847-1927) of New Orleans, the Methodist community of Ocean
Springs was bestowed many valuable assets.( JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court
Cause No. 4500-July 1925 and The Daily Herald, October 27, 1925,
p. 1)
Included among the personal items donated by Mrs.
Stuart were her valuable bookcase and pictures. Other Stuart gifts
were: the three large, lancet, stain-glassed windows in memory of
Bishop J.C. Keener, Colonel W.R. Stuart, and Mrs. Lizzie Stuart; a
cash gift of $500 to secure a library for the Sunday school; a cash
gift of $2000 to construct "The Lizzie McCauley Stuart Memorial
Rooms", Sunday school class rooms.(The New Orleans Christian
Advocate, November 19, 1925, p. 9)
Annex
In December 1926, Fred Bradford was rapidly completing construction
of an annex to the sanctuary. It was anticipated to be ready soon.(The
Jackson County Times, January 2, 1926)
St. Paul’s-a name change
The
Methodist Quarterly Conference approved the change of the name of
their Ocean Springs Methodist church to St. Paul’s in June 1934.
New stewards appointed at this time were Frank C. Buehler
(1909-1985) and H.P. Flateau (1888-1955). Mrs. Hilligoss was the
choir leader while Walter Armstrong (1878-1945) was the General
Superintendent. Sunday school teachers were: Mrs. R.L. Walton,
adult; Eleanor Bradford, intermediates; Elizabeth Bradford, primary;
and Virginia Thompson Lee (1901-1986), beginners.(The Jackson
County Times, June 16, 1934, p. 3)
Church festivals
In late summers before World War II, the St. Paul's congregation
held festivals to raise money. A common site for this event
was the lot north of Bailey's Drug Store, now Lovelace Drugs, on
Washington Avenue. Picnic style food was served: sandwiches,
gumbo, salad, cakes, candy, ice cream, and cold drinks. A
fortune teller and shooting gallery were utilized as part of the
entertainment.(Jackson County, Times, August 19, 1939)
1962 St. Paul's United
Methodist Church
(800 Porter-image made
September 1993)
3rd Church
In 1961, plans were initiated for the construction of a new
sanctuary at the site of the 1899 Methodist Episcopal Church. The
cornerstone for St. Paul's United Methodist Church was set on May
27, 1962. M.G. Schuler, Mary G. Joachim (1902-1978), Horace Gladney
(1894-1975), W.E. Wilson (1913-1985), Chester McPhearson Jr., H.A.
Lowe, and V.B. Fox were Church Trustees at the time.(The
Mississippi Methodist Advocate, June ? 1962, p. 4 and The
Ocean Springs News, May 31, 1962, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Land
Deed Bk. 216, p. 249)
The approximate 11,500 square-foot, church was of masonry
construction and built by James F. Bates, a Pass Christian
contractor, from a design by Claude Lindsley (1894-1969), local
architect. Its sanctuary had laminated beams and had a seating
capacity for 350 people. In addition, the new structure had a
social hall, twelve Sunday School rooms, kitchen, church offices,
and a choir room.(The Ocean Springs News, March 22, 1962, p. 1
and September 27, 1962)
The first service was held in the new church on October 21, 1962,
with the Reverend J.H. Dillard present. It was dedicated on January
13, 1963.(The Mississippi Methodist Advocate, December 19, 1962
and The Ocean Springs News, January 17, 1963, p. 1)
The old sanctuary was relocated to the rear of the Church lot on
Porter Avenue. It was planned to use the structure for Sunday
school classes and Boy Scout meetings.(The Ocean Springs News,
March 22, 1962, p. 1)
East Campus
In
early November 1998, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church acquired
from Robert J. Lucas Jr. et al for $867,000, 17-acres in Section 30,
T7S-R7W, just west of the northwest corner of the intersection of US
Highway 90 and Ms. Highway 57. The 17- acre tract was assembled
from six parcels.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1157, p. 169)
Here in November 2001, ground was
broken for the Christian Life Center, a 28,000 square-foot
structure. The three and one-half million dollar facility was to
house a family life center, fellowship hall, Sunday school
classrooms, three nurseries, and a youth activity room. A soccer
pitch and ball diamond were planned for outside activities. The
second project on the east campus of St. Paul’s will be a four
million dollar sanctuary. The facility is served by the Reverend
Kelly Pope, Senior Pastor, and Reverend Tom East.(The Mississippi
Press, November 12, 2001, p. 6-A and The Ocean Springs Record, May
15, 2003, p. A1)
St. Paul's United
Methodist Church-East Campus
(Bienville
Boulevard-image made August 2003)
St. Paul’s Christian Life Center was built by Fletcher Construction
Company of Pascagoula, Mississippi as the first phase of Christian
Life Center concept. The large structure was composed of: offices,
classrooms, fellowship hall, and gymnasium, which will serve as the
sanctuary, until Phase II, the actual sanctuary, is built. On May 11th,
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church held its first services in the
new Christian Life Center on US 90. The former sanctuary on Porter
Street continues for parishioners who desired to remain. The new
facility Bishop Kenneth L. Carder
consecrated the building on June 15, 2003.was dedicated on
June 15, 2003, by Bishop Kenneth L. Carder.(The Ocean Springs
Record, May 15, 2003, p. A1 and The
Mississippi Press, June 16, 2003, p. 1-A)
Fellowship Church
In July 2003, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church entered
into a one-year contract with the Fellowship Church, a contemporary
Christian worship group, to let their sanctuary and offices at 800
Porter Street. The group had two Sunday services, a 10:30 a.m.
worship service and a 6:00 p.m. teenage service. Chris Erwin,
associate pastor, related that the Fellowship Church possessed 12.5
acres of land on the Ocean Springs-Vancleave Road and aspired to
build an eight hundred fifty seat multipurpose auditorium cum
gymnasium and stage. The congregation members of St. Paul’s that
didn’t want to worship at the new East Campus facility had an 8:15
a.m. worship service and Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. at the 800
Porter Street facility.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 17, 2003,
p. A1)
REFERENCES:
Books
Ray L. Bellande,
Ocean Springs Hotels and Tourist Homes,
(Bellande: Ocean Springs, Mississippi-1994), pp. 108-111.
Charles L. Dufour,
Ten Flag in the Wind: The Story of Louisiana,
(Harper & Row: New York-1967), pp. 14-22.
Richebourg Gaillard McWilliams,
Iberville's Gulf Journals,
(The University of Alabama Press: University, Alabama-1981), p. 93.
Elizabeth Lemon Roberts and Ray L. Bellande,
Ocean Springs-The Way We Were
(1900-1950),
(The Ocean Springs Rotary Club: Ocean Springs, Mississippi-1996), p.
93.
Chancery Court Causes
Jackson County, Miss. Chancery Court Cause No. 4500, "The Last
Will and Testament of Elizabeth McCauley Stuart", July
1925.
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald,
"Dr. Walker's Funeral", March 6, 1897, p. 4.
The Daily Herald,
"Rev. Van Hook Dies After Short Illness at Biloxi", January
28, 1947, p. 1 and p. 3.
The Daily Herald,
"Families had to comply with strict camp rules", October 3,
1976, p. B-11 and p. B-13.
The Gulf Coast Times,
“WSCS Celebrated 10th Anniversary Tuesday Afternoon”,
October 20,1950.
The Jackson County Times,
“Local and Personal”,
January 2, 1926.
The Jackson County Times,
“St. Paul’s New Name of Local Church”,
June 16, 1934.
The Jackson County
Times, "Local and Personal", August 19, 1939.
The Mississippi Methodist Advocate,
"Cornerstone Laid For St. Paul's Church", June ? 1962.
The Mississippi Methodist Advocate,
"Official Opening St. Paul Church, Ocean Springs", December
19, 1962.
The Mississippi
Press,
“Church breaks
ground on expanded facility”,
November 12, 2001.
The Mississippi
Press,
“Holy
Ground”,
June 16, 2003, p. 1-A.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
March 28, 1872.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
March 4, 1875.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
August 14, 1879.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
February 28, 1889, p. 1.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
October 31, 1889.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
"Resolution of Thanks", April 6, 1899.
The New Orleans Christian Advocate,
"Generous Gift To Church At Ocean Springs, Miss.”, November
19, 1925, p. 9.
The New Orleans Daily Picayune,
"Rev. Dr. J.B. Walker Called Higher ", February 27, 1897.
The Ocean Springs News,
“Foundation Laid At St. Paul’s”,
March 22, 1962, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs News,
“Cornerstone Laid At St. Paul’s,
May 31, 1962, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs News,
“New Methodist Church”,
September 27, 1962.
The Ocean Springs News,
“St. Paul’s Methodist Church Officially Opened”,
January 17, 1963.
The Ocean Springs Record,
"Sous Les Chenes",
January 2, 1997, p. 14.
The Ocean Springs Record,
"St. Paul rises in the east", May 15, 2003, p. A1.
The Ocean Springs Record,
“Fellowship St. Paul to share facilities”,
July 17, 2003, p. A1.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
“Ocean Springs Items”,
May 24, 1878.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
“Ocean Springs Items”,
June 21, 1878.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
“Ocean Springs Items”,
July 26, 1878.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
“Ocean Springs Items”,
January 16, 1880.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
“Ocean Springs Items”,
July 9, 1880.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
“Ocean Springs Items”,
March 11, 1881.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
April 7, 1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
July 28, 1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
November 17, 1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
September 28, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
January 5, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
January 12, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
April 27, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
My 25, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
August 24, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals",
September 7, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
"Ocean Springs Locals", January 26, 1906.
Maps
Sanborn Map Company (NY), "Ocean Springs, Ms.", Sheet
2, August 1893.
Personal Communication:
Charlene Cole, July 1, 1997.
*********************************************************************************************
Presbyterian
In
July 1886, an organizational meeting was held with eight Ocean
Springs families in the Washington Avenue home of Louisa Burling
Bartlett (1823-1889), a New Orleans lady. Her husband, William A.
Bartlett (1816-1882), a Connecticut native owned the Home Insurance
Company at New Orleans. Their son-in-law was George Washington
Cable (1844-1925), who gained national notoriety as a writer of
Creole life and social reform. Cable's wife, Louisa S. Bartlett,
owned the Bartlett Cottage from 1876 until 1890.
The
local Presbyterians had been meeting on Sunday afternoons at the
Baptist Church, and it was decided that they should have their own
church building. As a result of the July 1886 organizational
meeting, a sanctuary was erected on Ocean Avenue and dedicated in
October 1886. The church lot was purchased from Mary Ann Wing in
January 1887 for $1.00. In 1956, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Walker donated
a new belfry and steeple for the old sanctuary.
1896
Reverend N. Keff Smith, pastor of the Presbyterian church, has been
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Presbyterian
college near Greenville, Tennessee.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
May 22, 1896, p. 3)
After
nearly a century, the Presbyterians led by the Reverend Andy Wells
built a large sanctuary just east of the old church. It was
dedicated on August 20, 1995. The Reverend Wells was appointed
pastor of the church on November 14, 1989.(The Ocean Springs
Record, November 9, 1989, p. 7)
REFERENCES:
The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, May 1,
1896.
The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, May 22,
1896.
The
Ocean Springs Record, Wells to become pastor of the Ocean Springs
1st Presbyterian”, November 9, 1989.
Episcopalian
The
early history of the Episcopal Church at Ocean Springs has been lost
but it is known that in June 1865 an organization of Episcopalians
was formed. The first records of the church indicate that the
"Fortnightly Guild" met in June 1891, at the home of Dr. Tebo. It
was decided at this gathering to accept the offer of the Baptist
congregation to use their church building on DeSoto Avenue. The St.
John's Episcopal Church was erected in 1892, from plans drawn by
Reverend Nelson Ayers from illustrations in the "Churchman". The
lot was donated by W.B. Schmidt, a wealthy merchant from New
Orleans. The building committee was composed of Mrs. G.T. Helmuth,
Mrs. F.V. Garrard, Mrs. Stansbury, and Dr. Tebo. It is very likely
that Louis H. Sullivan, the renown Chicago architect, assisted in
the design of the church. In 1903, George and Adele Arndt gave the
bell in memory of their young daughter, Elsie Arndt. The parish
house was erected in 1948. St. John's was a mission church served
by rectors of the congregations at Pascagoula or Biloxi. In 1955,
the Episcopalians at Ocean Springs got a full-time priest, the
Reverend Howard B. Kishpaugh. In 1996, the church building was
renovated. It was rewired, repainted, and a new copper shingle roof
installed.
Lutheran
The
organized Lutheran religion at Ocean Springs is relatively new.
Services commenced in September 1963, and the congregation was
officially organized as Christus Victor Lutheran Church on February
23, 1964. It is part of the Southeastern Synod of the Lutheran
Church in America. The Reverend Richard Dahlke was the first
pastor. Parishioners met in a building at 703 Washington Avenue
until a sanctuary was built at 2755 Bienville Boulevard in 1967.
The land was purchased in 1964 from the Fort Bayou Development
Corporation. On August 6, 1967, the first services were held in the
new church with the Reverend B.F. Rutrough in charge.
|
By
Ray L. Bellande
