NATCHEZ &045; Where most would see unused buildings, the Rev. James Stokes sees a valuable piece of the area’s history.

Most people only see Natchez College, an institution that existed in one form or another at a North Union Street site from 1885 to the early 1990s, as a landmark with importance to the surrounding neighborhoods, he said.

But it’s much more, said Stokes, himself a graduate of Natchez College. &uot;That was where a lot of people used to go. They’d go two years there and then go to Alcorn or places like that,&uot; Stokes said, adding &uot;many people couldn’t afford to do anything else.&uot;

But when the Historic Preservation Commission meets today, it will consider an application to demolish the former Natchez College. The property is now owned by the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi.

An application filed by the Rev. John Scott, who could not be reached for comment late Tuesday afternoon, states the convention plans to demolish all buildings and that the site would not remain vacant.

&uot;But it doesn’t say what their plans are&uot; for the site, although a Jackson architect is apparently working on the plans now, said City Planner Bob Jackson.

The Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing the application because the property is located in the Woodlawn National Historic District. The meeting is set for 5:15 p.m. at the city’s council chambers on Pearl Street.

And Stokes, for one, plans to be there. &uot;I’m asking the city to delay this application until we can work things out&uot; with the conference to acquire the buildings, Stokes said, referring to himself and other local residents.