Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Grace United Methodist Church will celebrate its 65th anniversary Sunday during its regular service.

The Rev. Nance Hixon, who has been with Grace for almost three years, said the time of the service will be the same; however, the structure will be a little bit different.

“The church has celebrated before, and usually does so in five-year increments,” Hixon said.

“This year, we hope to have a little larger celebration; after all, it is the 65th year.”

Hixon recalls stories members of the congregation have shared with him about the formation of the church.

“I actually posted a picture, that was shared with me, on Facebook, Thursday,” Hixon said.

“The photograph was taken in the early 1950’s and depicts a small group of members standing near a sign, marking the site where the church stands today.”

The church was founded in 1950; however, they did not start work on the current structure until 1951, and the building was not usable until 1952.

“There were a lot of things to overcome in the beginning,” Hixon said.

“The charter members, and others, actually met in the cold storage building, which was located on Liberty Road, for some time. They kept going, and today, we have this lovely building and close congregation.”

Mary Doreing, a lifetime member of the church, said everything that has ever happened in her life, has happened at Grace.

“I can remember the building before there was a closed in Narthex (front of the building),” Doering said. “There was no fellowship hall, and there was no upstairs at one time. We have surely grown through the years.”

Hixon said that the theme of the Sunday celebration and service will be one of reflection and hopeful anticipation.

“Of course, we will have many moments of sharing about the history of the church, and we will even have former pastors present, as well as written letters to the congregation from those who could not join us,” Hixon said.

“After the service, we will gather in the fellowship hall for a pot-luck lunch, and everyone will have a chance to see some of the historical photographs on display.”

Hixon mention the service will contain more music than a usual service.

“It is celebration,” Hixon said. “The choir will sing several hymns from an old camp-meeting songbook, which must be pretty old, because it has the original name of the church in it. These old hymns, along with the solos, will give the service a special feel.”

An interview of charter member, Nina Wilson, will be held during the service.

“I think this will be a very interesting part of the service,” Hixon said. “Wilson is 94, and I am sure she will be able to share some great stories with us.”

The service begins at 10 a.m. and everyone is invited to attend.