One of the oldest congregations in the Natchez area will celebrate its heritage May 6, with former pastors and former members coming to join the day’s activities, members of Kingston United Methodist Church said.

The historic church in the Kingston community is at 1090 Hutchins Landing Road. Built in 1856, the church was dedicated on May 3, 1857, by the Rev. William Winans and the Rev. William H. Watkins.

“We have refurbished the outside and inside and will redecorate,” said member Dot Foster.

The church has held regular services continuously since the founding of the church 150 years ago, Foster said.

The celebratory service will begin at 11 a.m., led by the Rev. Frank Davis, who is pastor there and at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church.

“We’ll have dinner afterwards, and everyone is invited,” Foster said.

The history of the church dates to 1773, when the Rev. Samuel Swayze, a Congregationalist minister, organized the first church in what was called the Jersey Settlement.

The Rev. Tobias Gibson organized the Kingston Methodist Church in 1800.

Debra McIlwain grew up in the church and remains a member there. “I love my church, and I love my community,” she said.

McIlwain said the service will include a reading of the church history by longtime member Webbie Eidt.

The service and lunch afterwards are open to all who wish to join them in the celebration, McIlwain said.

The small church was electrified in the 1950s, according to the history of the building. But air-conditioning did not come until the 1990s, at about the same time the congregation replaced the old roof and added a connecting walk from the church to the fellowship hall.

“The May 6 celebration will be to remember the dedication of the building 150 years ago,” Foster said.