Vision:

Our Vision; is to be a loving community that worships and serves God and continues to increase its knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ:  seeing Him in ourselves and others and sharing Him with the world.

History:

Erected in 1874, the original church building stood on the southeast corner of Howard and Nixon Streets. It was here that, during the latter years of his life, Jefferson Davis, the only President of the Confederacy, worshipped and, in 1888, became a member of the church's Vestry. With a pistol under the seat of their mule-drawn surrey in case of trouble, Mrs. Davis (nee Varina Howell) would drive her husband to the church from their home at Beauvoir. Mr. Davis and his family worshipped here until his death in 1889. A copy of his stewardship letter written to the Rev. R. G. Hinsdale was displayed in the rear of the church. In her will, Mrs. Davis left her diamond ring (reputed to have a diamond of 8 1/2 carats) to the church, but her daughter, Margaret, arranged with the Vestry to donate a five-piece silver communion service instead to serve as a memorial to her mother.

In 1891 a new and more elaborate church building was constructed just south of the old church. This church and property was a gift of Mr. Harry T. Howard of New Orleans and Biloxi. (Mr. Howard was elected Mayor of Biloxi several times.) This Church was given as a memorial to the Rev. Dr. R. G. Hinsdale who had served as Rector of the church from 1883 to 1889. On completion of the new church, the old church was deconsecrated and moved just north of the new church to serve as a parish hall. The new church became a major tourist attraction as it was virtually a shrine for veterans of the Confederacy, containing over 54 memorials to Jefferson Davis, members of his family, and to other prominent members of the Confederacy. The church rectory, which stood adjacent to the new church was a gift of Mr. Charles Howard, father of Harry T. Howard. The "Ring in the Oak" was just above the rectory walkway.

On August 17, 1969, Hurricane Camille devastated the Gulf Coast. Among the familiar landmarks destroyed were the newer church and its rectory, with only the bell tower surviving. Miraculously, the old church, which had served the congregation as a parish house for some 78 years, also survived. It and the bell tower were damaged, but restoration work was begun immediately and, while repairs were being made, church services were held at the Back Bay Mission and later at the Harrison County Second Judicial District Courthouse in Biloxi. Even though work was not complete and the building was without heat, services in the restored church were resumed on Christmas Eve, 1969. The building was reconsecrated in April 1970.

For many weeks following the hurricane, parishioners dug through the dirt and debris to recover articles for the church. These items were cleaned and repaired as necessary, and restored to use in the church; they included such items as altar vases, candlesticks, the Davis Family communion set, and even the Jefferson Davis pew. In addition, in a project headed by Mrs. Evelyn Pease, glass fragments were then fashioned into a memorial window by LSU art students under the direction of their instructor, Paul Dufore and Mrs. Pease. That window, the "Window of Hope", was placed in the restored Tower where the Bell up until August 2005 was still rung during Mass and to mark other events of significance to the communicants such as baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. Later, Mrs. Pease used the remainder of the glass to design and fashion two additional memorial windows. The "Window of the Redeemer", located in the south entrance, was given as token of praises and thanks to God. It depicts Jesus with arms raised in praise and welcome, sending His light upon all who believe in Him. The "Rose Window", on the west side of the church, depicts lilies which are symbolic of Purity, truth, the Resurrection, and the Annunciation.