The Port Gibson reveille. [volume] (Port Gibson, Miss.) 1890-current, 1922-07-06
BAPTIsT rIcNIc.
Interesting Report on Picnic. Also
Historical Sketch Given.

interesting Report on Picnic. Also
Historical Sketch Given.
Despite weather and road condi-
tons a fine picnic crowd Of Bnptists
from six sections Of the surrounding
county gathered, nearly hundred
strong, to celebrate the glorious fourth
and pay due respect to the memory
of their spiritual ancestors Of the old
Magnolia Baptist church. Their his
toric building still stands about three
and one-half miles west Of Port Glib
son on the Rodney road IT was erect
ed in 1858, one year after the consti-
tuition Of the church organization. The
house is in fine state Of prcserva-
ton, notwithstanding that it was
badly shot up during the Battle Of
Port Gibson, May i, 1868.
The Baptist picnic was held at the
Shaifer Iron Bridge about a mile fur
ther west on the same historic high
way; the very road used by the North
ern Army en- route to beseige Vicks-
burg. This beautiful valley, sur
rounded by as picturesque scenery as
the gulf hills anywhere afford, was
the resting place of General Grants
forces the night before the Battle Of
Port Gibson was fought. Even the
same tree, under which the General
took his breakfast, is pointed out to
the credulous visitor.
The scenery cannot be surpassed, il
equaled, elsewhere in our historic
county Of Claiborne. The deep glens,
wild and impenetrable, stately moss
covered trees Of many kinds, heavy
growths Of native cane, flowers, ferns
and grasses, fertile valleys, limpid
streams, high, tunabling and precipit-
GUS hills, all these and much more
charm and challenge at every turn Of
view. Through the heart Of this
"deep-tangled avid. wood the cele-
brated Port Gibson and Rodney road
climbs over hills and crowds through
tunnels in its successful effort to fol-
low the Indian trail Of the long ago.
The big basket feast was spread
amid such splendors and it was most
heartily and full enjoyed. The church
committees on sports, finance, refresh
ments and transportation had done all
that was needful for a full days out
ing. Games and wading were the de-
light Of youth while the older folks
mixed in considerably with them and
rested along as they talked about
their spiritual forefathers Of ante
bellum days History tells Of active
Baptists IN this region more than one
hundred years ago. The picnic grounds
were near the foot Of Meeting House
Hip. A place so-called because long
before there was a church anywhere
near, the Baptists held their services
regularly under a bush arb0r, built on
the crest Of this hill
Several friends Of the Methodist,
Episcopal and Presbyterian
denominations added much to the
pleasure Of the occasion. About p.
M. the crowd gathered at the Magnol-
ia Baptist church. The pastor and
several representative members Of
this colored church were present to
welcome the white Baptists of the
Port Gibson congregation who were
making this memorial journey to the
house and grounds Of their mother
church. A brief service Of song,
prayer, Bible reading and remarks,
was conducted BY the pastor Of the
Port Gibson white Baptist church The
very Record Book Of the aged
church was opened and a few selec-
tons were read from their written
proceedings Of other years.
1t was found that masters and
slaves were membess Of the same
church That in 1867 the present col
ored Magnolia church was organized
from the colored membership Of this
old white church and that the build
ing was used by both tin 1871 when
this privilege was formally withdrawn.
The white Baptist church Of Port Glib
son was ccnxtitated in 1872, largely
by members Of the old Magnolia or
ganization. Then strangely but tru-
ly and scripturally, just as Abraham
Nas father 70 Isaac and Ishmael, the
Old Magnolia church was mother to
the white Baptist church Of Port
Gibson and the present colored Bap-
list church which is worshiping in This
notahle ana -bellum house. The moth