NATCHEZ &045; The congregations of 10 houses of worship in downtown Natchez will begin in September to learn more about each other.

&uot;Coming Together&uot; is the name given the program by organizers at St. Mary Basilica. The Rev. David O’Connor, St. Mary pastor, said the goal is to give participants the opportunity to see the churches that are their neighbors and to learn more about the people who attend those churches.

&uot;It will give each congregation a chance to showcase their building, the history of the church and an overall history of the denomination,&uot; O’Connor said.

On the second Sunday of each month, one congregation will host the other nine and anyone else in the community interested in attending.

The first get-together will be at First Presbyterian Church, South Pearl at State Street, on Sept. 11, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

&uot;Presbyterians historically have lent their services and leadership to programs such as this,&uot; said Dr. John Larson, pastor at First Presbyterian, adding that taking the lead in getting the 10-month program started is a comfortable role for his congregation.

Each church will begin the program with a short worship service. Afterwards, the pastor or a church historian will provide a short description of the architecture and history of the building and denomination.

Visitors will tour the buildings and then have refreshments with the host congregation.

&uot;We are pleased with the initial response of all the churches,&uot; O’Connor said. &uot;And let me say, there is no hidden agenda. However, out of visiting each other may come more cooperative efforts. We might do something big together, such as housing for the needy, the Stewpot or Habitat for Humanity.&uot;

Mary Jane Gaudet, a St. Mary member who served on the committee to organize the program, said the strong traditionally white downtown congregations, strong African-American downtown congregations and the Jewish temple make a good, manageable number for the program.

&uot;There is no agenda to address. This will be a time to share with each other and get to know one another better,&uot; Gaudet said.

After First Presbyterian in September, the program continues with AME Zion Chapel in October, Jefferson Street United Methodist in November, St. Mary in December, Holy Family Catholic Church in January, Trinity Episcopal Church in February, Temple B’nai Israel in March, Rose Hill Baptist Church in April, New Covenant Presbyterian Church in May and St. John United Methodist Church in June.