This Ghost Town Chapel In Mississippi Is Hauntingly Beautiful
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published June 24, 2017
×
Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
There’s no denying it; ghost towns are a bit on the spooky side. Just the thought of an entire town filled with nothing but deserted buildings and an eerie silence is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. However, once you get past the creepy factor, these towns of yesteryear are actually quite interesting. Practically frozen in time, they’re like keys to the past, offering a one-of-a-kind view at days long gone. Rodney, one of the most famous ghost towns in Mississippi, is a prime example.
At one time a thriving community, it’s now home to only a handful of residents and a few buildings, including Mt. Zion Baptist Church. This historic chapel has been abandoned for quite some time, and though it’s falling into further disarray with each passing year, its beauty is undeniable. Take a look:
Constructed in 1850, Mt. Zion Baptist Church was the second of two churches built in Rodney.
Tony Kelley/Facebook
In the 1800s, Rodney was a bustling port city, rivaling Natchez and Vicksburg. At its peak, it was home to 4,000 residents and a variety of businesses. Everything changed for Rodney when the Mississippi River changed course after the Civil War. No longer located on the river, the former port city quickly dwindled away.
The historic chapel is one of the first sites you’ll see when you enter the deserted town.
There are several routes to Rodney, but one of the easiest ways to get there is by driving through Alcorn State University. Take the back gate on the west side of campus to Rodney Drive and Mt. Zion Baptist Church will be straight ahead.
Advertisement
Also known as First Baptist Church, the chapel features several styles of architecture, making it as unique as it is charming.
Tony Kelley/Facebook
Advertisement
Abandoned for years, the front door of the church now remains permanently opened, revealing the effects of years of neglect.
Tony Kelley/Facebook
Prior to 2011, efforts were made to restore Mt. Zion; however, after severe flooding, the church was extensively damaged and left to further decay.
Made almost entirely of wood, the structure is extremely susceptible to water damage, and since the area is prone to flooding, the historic church is quickly deteriorating.
Tony Kelley/Facebook
Despite its unkempt condition, the church's charm has not been lost.
Tony Kelley/Facebook
Brimming with beautiful details, like arched entryways, it's nearly impossible to not fall in love with the church.
Though Mt. Zion continues to fall into further disrepair as time goes on, there's something hauntingly beautiful about the church and the abundance of history linked to it - and that's something no amount of time can change.
