Though Mississippi is no stranger to historic chapels, it’s not very often that you find a church that boasts a makeshift museum. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and in this case, the exception is First Presbyterian Church of Natchez. Far from your typical house of worship, the church boasts an incredible collection of historic photographs, which are on display for public viewing. Take a look:
At first glance, the First Presbyterian Church of Natchez looks like any other small town chapel.
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However, upon further inspection, you’ll quickly realize that couldn’t be further from the truth.
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Situated directly behind the church, you’ll find the Stratton Chapel Gallery.
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A must-visit when in Natchez, the gallery is home to an outstanding collection of photographs that depict life in Natchez throughout the centuries.
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The expansive collection contains over 500 photographs.
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It’s not just the quantity of photos that’s impressive, though. The age of the photos is equally as impressive.
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Some of the oldest pictures in the collection date back to 1860!
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Many years were spent restoring the historic photos – and the effort was definitely worth it.
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Visit today, and you’ll get a true glimpse at what Natchez was like all those years ago.
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There are pictures of steamboat activities, the families and homes of Natchez, and much more.
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What’s more, a majority of the photos are accompanied by informative signage.
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You’ll even find a few artifacts mixed in amongst the photos.
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Technically, there’s no charge for visiting the Stratton Chapel Gallery; however, a $5 donation is requested.
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For more information, call the Church Office at (601) 442-2581. You can also visit the church’s website or Facebook page.
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So, did you know about this collection of historic photos? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only place you can peek into the past. Read about another here.
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Address: 405 State St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
