Members of St. Francis Catholic Church hold the memories of their church close to their hearts. Pictured from left are Margaret Harris, Ruthie Brown, Bettye Brooks, Margie Robinson, Harold Brooks and Father Lincoln Dall as they prepare for the church’s final services. Church to hold final service
Walking the grounds of St. Francis Catholic Church, a rich history and legacy can be felt on her soil.
It’s almost as if you can hear the laughter of children carry through the breeze. Out of the corner of your eye, the white flash of a nun’s garment runs past. And the sound of the bell serves as a constant reminder of the hundreds of mass services held within her walls.
The church and former school serves as a glimpse into the community’s African-American history. But the local landmark also serves as a reflection of Yazoo’s Catholic community as a whole.
“Many have been here since they were children,” said Father Lincoln Dall. “They have so much respect for the nuns and priests who brought them up.”
That respect is heard in the stories and memories of those who attended the mission school or were church members. Today those stories are laced with sadness as many church members prepare for its last service.
St. Francis will close its doors this weekend. The last mass service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday with a reception afterwards at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
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