University of Mississippi Special Collections-African American exhibit-burns methodist church

"We Cannot Walk Alone:" Images and History of the African-American Community.
Lafayette County, Mississippi. An "Open Doors Exhibition." April through August 2003.

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Burns Methodist Church
Author Unknown

"Burns Methodist Church was organized in 1870. The original church was white frame with a light blue ceiling. In 1910, a new church was constructed on Depot Street (Jackson Avenue) through loans by members and donations of time to mix mortar and carry brick. The ladies brought dinner baskets to the working men.

The church had a bell in the belfry and a foot-pedal organ. Two larger pot-bellied stoves provided heat. The Ladies Aid cared for the brass kerosene lamps hanging from ceiling chains which provided light.

Church activities included box suppers, church plays, and 'feasts in the wilderness.' Boys carried girls to church in shiny buggies drawn by horses with fancy harnesses and a decorative buggy whip. At Sunday night services, customarily, the girl held the boy's hat in her lap.

In 1975, a new church was constructed on Mollie Barr Road and Washington Avenue."

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