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Rev. Dr. C. Edward “CJ” Rhodes II, director of the
Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute for Ethical Leadership
at Alcorn State University spoke about the leadership
of Revels at Alcorn State. “It’s because of that heritage
that we remain a school dedicated to knowledge and
character,” Rhodes said. Harold Woodson Jr., greatgreat-grandson
of Hiram Revels spoke on behalf of
family members, saying “Rev. Revels was a trailblazer,
a man of great faith and conviction.”
Today, Pastor Mitchell and the congregation of
Zion Chapel AME Church continue to carry on the
legacy of president, senator, and pastor Hiram Revels.
Over the past two years, they have welcomed multiple
tour groups making stops in Natchez, providing the
opportunity to share the history of the church with
people from all over the world.
Rev. Mitchell, once a gospel singer who was called
to preach in 1980, has been pastor of Zion Chapel
since 2005. “Many people don’t realize that the AME
church is not a black congregation,” Mitchell says.
“Although the denomination was originally organized at
St. George’s United Methodist Church in Philadelphia
by people of African descent, the church today has
congregations in 29 countries, made up of people
from all walks of life. All are welcome at Zion Chapel.”
Services are held every Sunday at 9:30am and are
livestreamed on Facebook. For more information
on services and mid-week Bible studies visit
www.facebook.com/ZionChapelAMENatchez
2024 VISIT NATCHEZ 41