Tucked away in the woods near Natchez sits a beautiful Gothic-style church known as St. Mary’s Chapel. Now almost hidden, the church was at one time a part of the Laurel Hill plantation. Sometime in the 1960s, the plantation’s main home burned down, leaving behind one of the most unique churches in the state.
The private chapel was constructed in 1839 on the Laurel Hill plantation. At the time, the plantation was owned by Newton Mercer.
James Hardie, a Natchez contractor and carpenter, constructed the chapel. The building is made of stucco and brick and features a Gothic spire, which is topped with an iron cross. The bricks used to build the chapel were made by Mr. Mercer’s slaves under the direction of Henry Huntington.
The interior of the chapel is just as impressive as the exterior. St. Mary’s Chapel is highlighted by exquisite features, including a tessellated black and white marble floor, a gorgeous stained glass window, which is about 4’ in diameter, marble statues, and remarkable woodwork.
The church was consecrated by Rev. James Harvey Otey on April 28, 1839. Later that year, St. Mary’s Chapel was accepted into the Diocese.
The first rector of the Episcopal church was Rev. Daniel H. Deacon. According to a report from 1842, Rev. Deacon’s primary role was visiting the plantation’s slaves throughout the week and christening their children.
Records indicate that 118 slaves were baptized at St. Mary’s in 1842 by Rev. Deacon. The following year, 26 slaves were confirmed within the church by Bishop Otey.
By 1850, weekly services were no longer held at St. Mary’s. The church’s short lived existence can most likely be attributed to Mr. Mercer travelling to Europe in search of a cure for tuberculosis, which his entire family, aside from himself, had contracted.
Sadly, Mr. Mercer’s attempt to save his family was unsuccessful. Upon their deaths, his loved ones were buried in a brick vault, which is located beneath the altar.
Although regular services have long been ceased at St. Mary’s Chapel, it was never deconsecrated, making it a popular wedding venue. Natchez’s St. Mary Basilica has done an excellent job of keeping records on the church. For more information, click here.
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