By SABRINA SIMMS

NATCHEZ — Justin Allgood, 2018 king of the Pilgrimage Garden Club’s royal court, has been involved in the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage most of his life.

He is the son of Jim and Carla Allgood, both Natchez natives.

Justin is a senior at the University of Mississippi where he is majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology.

Justin said he plans to graduate and study nursing at Alcorn State University in the fall of next year.

He said playing intramural sports, including basketball, softball and soccer with his friends, is his passion.

His favorite thing about Pilgrimage, he said, is the close friendships he has developed with other volunteers.

“It’s a great experience to hang out with everybody and keep friendships for this long,” Justin said. “It has taught me a lot.”

Justin said he enjoys living in Natchez and being a part of Pilgrimage because it brings people closer together.

“A good thing about living here is, you stay close to people that you know and see and hang out with a lot,” Justin said. “Overall, (Pilgrimage is) a fantastic experience. I do not regret a single minute of it.”

Friendships made through Pilgrimage, Justin said, have taught him to be accountable and to maintain long-lasting relationships.

Justin’s mother, Carla, said her son enjoys interacting with guests as well, and Justin agreed.

“Meeting new people is another great thing,” Justin said.

Being asked to be king of the 2018 royal court, Justin said, came as a surprise and an honor.

“When I got the phone call from Mom saying, ‘Hey they’ve asked you to be king this year,’ I honestly would not have imagined it,” Justin said. “It’s still kind of mind-blowing to me, and I immediately said, ‘Yes, I would love to do it.’ It’s truly an honor and a blessing to be a part of it.”

Justin said his suit was worn by one of his closest friends, Leo Joseph III in the 2006 royal court.

His suit is a replication of Confederate Brig. Gen. Henry Jackson Hunt’s uniform created by C&D Jarnagin Company, which specializes in Civil War reproduction uniforms.

The coat is greyish-blue wool with red sleeves and a red collar — symbolizing artillery — with gold trim, which is paired with blue pants.

The sleeves are marked with golden insignias on each arm. Waterbury CS officer buttons decorate the front of the jacket.

Justin said he feels the uniform is a symbol of his friendship with Joseph.

“We’ve known the Josephs for a long, long time,” Justin said.

Carla said Joseph was happy to lend his uniform to Justin for the 2018 court.

“Leo was thrilled that we even asked him,” Carla said.

She said Justin’s sword was purchased new as a keepsake for his reign. It is crafted by W.J. McElroy & Company in Macon, Ga. It has a brass hilt with the CSA insignia, a handle wrapped in leather and a floral pattern and CSA insignia etched into the blade.

Justin said both his grandmothers, Melba Wisner and Ann Allgood, were heavily involved in Pilgrimage as well.

“I knew they would be very proud of me,” Justin said.

Carla said Justin’s kingship is a dream come true for his grandparents.

“It was always a dream of (theirs) for him to be king one day, both of them always dreamed of it, so it was a dream come true.”

Justin said his parents are equally proud.

“I know both my mom and dad are truly happy for me to have this opportunity,” Justin said. “Hopefully (Pilgrimage) will keep going on for many years to come. I’m excited for a fantastic year. I can’t wait to have fun with all of my court … I know that these friendships will last for a very long time.”