At 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, the Christian Hope Church will celebrate their 25th year Church anniversary.

The church was organized in May 1994 and has been in its present location since 1996. The founding pastor, the Rev. John Scott Jr., continues to serve as pastor.

The event begins in the sanctuary with the Rev. Charles Chandler as our guest speaker. Chandler is a graduate of Memphis State University with a degree in Greek. He is also a teacher at the Mississippi Baptist seminary and Bible College here in Natchez.

Chandler’s choir from the Harvest Baptist Church of Ferriday, Louisiana, will render the song service for the celebration. The celebration concludes with a delicious meal that will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately following.

We are delighted that God has allowed us to serve Him by serving others under the name of Christian Hope for 25 years. The years have really passed swiftly and many of the 22 charter members and others have since gone to be with the Lord. We will celebrate their memory, for we shall forever be grateful for their sacrifices and just being a part of our church family.

During the 25 years of existence, the church has had bitter and sweet moments. The moments of converts experiencing water baptism, members being added to the church’s roll and a mortgage burning ceremony, the completion of building projects were all times of joy and jubilation.

We were also pleased to open our doors to non-members for concerts, weddings, funerals and community events.

Many recording artists have been here singing gospel songs. Among the artists are Lee Williams, Debra Snipes, Williams Brothers, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Canton Spirituals and the Rev. Luther Barnes. Barnes was one of the first to come in the ’90s and came back as the guest speaker for our 20th Anniversary Celebration. It was also during the ’90s that the General Missionary State Convention met here for the Spring Session each year under the direction of Dr. Jerry Young. Some of the first area SVT class reunions were held here also.

Former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, the Rev. Jessie Jackson, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Dr. Dolphus Weary and others have been guests here for community events.

This year we hosted the first Community Fall Festival. It was a time of joy as the neighbors came together for a time of fellowship and thanksgiving. We are hoping that this will be an annual event.

The times that we do not look forward to is saying good-bye to loved ones that re-locate for whatever reason. The economy has not been kind to us. However, God always seems to supply the resources to carry out His work.

Finally, it is always difficult when members and friends go home to be with the Lord. We know that death is a part of life, but it is always difficult and no matter how many are left to carry on the work there always seems to be a void. These are not times that we look forward to because these are bitter moments. However, it is comforting to know that they are home with the Lord.

Please consider coming and helping us celebrate this 25th Year Anniversary. Your presence will mean so much to us. In fact, your presence will serve as an encouragement to us as church family. As you know, church life is ministry (WORK), and encouraging words and especially one’s presence is a powerful way to keep Saints on the battlefield.

The church is located at 301 LaSalle Street here in Natchez. If you desire more information please call 601-445-5995 or 601-431-4385.

John W. Scott Jr. is the pastor of Christian Hope BC.