Posted in Mississippi
July 22, 2016
The Story Behind This Mississippi Chapel Will Fascinate You
Sitting high atop a ceremonial Indian mound in the Mississippi Delta, the Mont Helena Plantation is hard to miss yet many are unaware of the historic chapel that once stood on its grounds. The small chapel has a big history, and it will fascinate you.
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The story behind this church begins with John T. Johnstone, his wife Margaret, and daughter Helen.
The family moved from North Carolina to Rolling Fork, where Mr. Johnstone purchased land for a plantation he named the “Helen Place.”
In 1862, Helen met her future husband Reverend George Carrol Harris. By 1896, the two moved to the Helen Place, where they built a new home on the property.
The Colonial Revival-style mansion was constructed on a ceremonial Indian mound - the highest point on the property. The plantation was then renamed “Mont Helena.”
Prior to moving to Mont Helena, Helen convinced her father to construct a church on the property so that the workers would have a place to worship.
Helen made the suggestion to her father in December of 1855 and, in 1878, a small chapel was constructed on the plantation.
The Methodist Episcopal church was used for many years.
One of the most prominent features was the bell tower, which included the original church bell throughout the church's existence.
There are several stories claiming the church was haunted; a claim that many believe had something to do with the nearby ceremonial mound. It has been said that if you rang the bell three times, it would ring back once.
Packed with history (and maybe a bit of paranormal activity), this church of yesteryear met its demise in October of 2015, but its story lives on. The Mont Helena plantation and grounds are available for touring. For more information, click here.
If you enjoyed this article, check out “You Won’t Find Another Chapel Anywhere In The World Like This One In Mississippi.”
