CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE 3rd MS INFANTRY BILOXI POLITICIAN SHERIFF DOCUMENT SIGNED
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:31418638 | Modified Item: No |
| Original/Reproduction: Original | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
| Conflict: Civil War (1861-65) | Theme: Militaria |
Here’sa Document Signed by a Prominent Confederate Vet and Politician, as well as, aClergyman from Biloxi, Harrison County, MississippiANDREW JEFFERSON “UNCLE JEFF” RAMSAY(1840 – 1917)CIVIL WAR ATLANTA CAMPAIGN POW CONFEDERATEVETERAN OF “A” COMPANY, 3rd MISSISSIPPI INFANTRY REGIMENT FOR FOURYEARS, MEMBEROF THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN 1878, SHERIFF OF HARRISON COUNTY 1871-1875&HARRISON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERKRamsay served through theWar Between the States in... Company A, 3rd Mississippi Regiment, and wasimprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio. Upon hisrelease he walked back to Mississippi! -AND-VERY REVEREND ALPHONSE KETELS(1855 – 1921)BELGIAN-AMERICAN PRIEST and PASTOR OFTHE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, DEAN and CANNON OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESEOF NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, PASTOR OF BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI’S NATIVITY B. V. M. CATHEDRAL, APPOINTED BY BISHOP HESLIN 1897-1921&PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE OFGHENT, BELGIUM 1881-97. <> HERE’S ANAUTOGRAPH DOCUMENT SIGNED BY RAMSAY AS CIRCUIT CLERK and REV. KETELS – A HARRISONCOUNTY, MISSISSIPPI MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, DATED OCT. 7, 1908. KETELS SIGNS: “Very Revd Alphonse Ketels~~”The document measures 8½” x 3¼” and isin very fine, clean condition.AFINE ADDITION TO YOUR AMERICAN CLERGYMAN AUTOGRAPH, MANUSCRIPT & EPHEMERACOLLECTION! <<>::<>>BIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCESREANDREW JEFFERSON RAMSAYAndrew Jefferson Ramsay (1840-1917), called ‘Uncle Jeff’ was born atStonewall, Hancock County, Mississippi on July 4, 1840 to William J. Ramsay(1812-1860+), a farmer, and Mary Ramsay (1815-1860+). Ramsay was a man prominent in the public affairs of HarrisonCounty. "Uncle Jeff, " as he was familiarly known, was born on July 4, 1840, at Ramsay, a small community in Jackson County. He died at the age of 77on Aug. 2, 1917, in Gulfport.As a youth of 21, A.J. Ramsay enlisted in the Confederatearmy and fought in Company A 3rd Mississippi Regiment for four years. Hisservice to Harrison County began in 1871 when he was elected sheriff. He servedin that office for four terms, then one term in the Mississippi House ofRepresentatives in 1878, and three terms as circuit clerk."Remains of Loved Man Laid Away" was a front pageheadline in the Aug. 3, 1917, Daily Herald. Hundreds gathered at the Ramsayhome on Mississippi City's East Beach (now East Gulfport) for services.At the conclusion, at least 50 automobiles and hundreds onfoot followed the funeral carriage to the Old Mississippi City Cemetery offCourthouse Road.On Sept. 18, 1917, the Harrison County Bar Associationadopted resolutions to honor "Harrison County's most esteemedcitizen." Each speaker spoke eloquently of Ramsay's many virtues andaccomplishments and ended with the sentiments that "all who knew Uncle Jeff did love him. He was a man of singularlybeautiful character."[Source: SunHerald, Feb 13, 2016, by Murella H. Powell]<> Beginning in 1871, served four terms as Sheriff;
Three terms as Harrison County Circuit Clerk;
In 1878 served one term in the House ofRepresentatives.***
Obituary
Gulfport Daily Herald, Gulfport Miss.
Thursday August 2, 1917 p. 1
A.J. RAMSAY CALLED TO LAST REWARDNotwithstanding He Had Been Ill For Some Time The Community Was SaddenedBy His Death-
This community was saddened today by the death which occurred just before noonof A.J. Ramsay, one of Harrison county's best known and best beloved citizens.Although he had been in ill health for some time yet the news of his death wasa shock to his many friends.
At the time of his death Mr. Ramsay was 77 years and one month old, having beenborn in Harrison county July 4, 1840.
Mr. Ramsay was the first white Democratic sheriff of Harrison County after the WarBetween the States and served as sheriff later. He was representative in thestate legislature for one term and circuit clerk of the county for two terms.
He was married February 19, 1884, to Miss Mary E. Myers of Whistler, Ala. Tothis union was born three children, two of whom together with the wife survivehim. These two sons are Jefferson E. Ramsay, who is now circuit clerk ofHarrison county, and Benson, the youngest son.
Mr. Ramsay served through the War Between the States in Company A., 3rdMississippi Regiment, and was imprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio. Upon his releasehe walked back to Mississippi. Mr. Ramsay was a member of the Handsboro Lodgeof Masons.
To know Uncle Jeff Ramsay was to love him. He had many relatives over SouthMississippi.
The funeral will take place tomorrow at 10 o'clock from the residence on EastBeach. Interment will be at the Mississippi City cemetery.<> (Extractfrom "History of Harrison County, Mississippi", written by John H.Lang, published by Dixie Press, 1935, page 169)Born July 4th, 1840, at Ramsay, Mississippi.Died August 1st, 1917. Served through the period of the War between the Statesas a private. Held public office for about fifty years, serving as Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, and member of the Legislature. Married at Whistler, Alabama, .February 19th, 1884. There was born to this union three children, A. J. Ramsay, Jr.; Katherine D. Ramsay, and F. B. Ramsay. Katherine D. died January26th, 1909. His widow Mary Myers Ramsay died July 4th, 1935<> Merchant at Stonewall, MSBy 1880, Jeff Ramsay was a merchant atStonewall, Harrison County, Mississippi. He had partnered with WashingtonC. Myers (1845-1880+) before November 1881. They were lauded by areporter for The Pascagoula Democrat-Star and ran thefollowing advertisement: A.J. Ramsay and Wash C. Myers, two clevergentlemen as can be found, and customers will always get some good bargains bytrading them. They keep a general stock of merchandise such as usuallyfound in first class stores.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 4, 1881, p. 3)AdvertisementA.J. RAMSAY & COMPANYA.J.Ramsay WashC. Meyers [sic]Stonewall, MississippiDealer in dry goods, notions, groceries, feed, hats, ready made clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, crockery; in fact everything necessary to country trade. The highest pricespaid for wool and all country produce.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 4, 1881, p. 3)Marriage and familyJeff Ramsay married Mary E. Myers (1856-1935)of Whistler, Alabama on February 19, 1884. Jeff and Mary M. Ramsay were the parents ofthree children: Andrew J. Ramsay Jr. (1885-1923+), called ‘Little Jeff’ m.Martha Corinne Murphy (1890-1966); Katherine ‘Kate’ D. Ramsay (1887-1909); andFrederick Benson Ramsay (1893-1918+) m. Esther Nill (1895-1986), the daughterof Herman J. Nill (1863-1904) and Caroline Vahle Nill Hulsey Kratli(1862-1949).REFERENCES:The Biloxi Daily Herald, Businessand Professional Men, (TheBiloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902).John H. Lang, History of HarrisonCounty, Mississippi, (The Dixie Press: Gulfport, Mississippi-1936)The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, June 2, 1888.The Daily Herald, “Miss Kate Ramsay”, January 27, 1909.The Daily Herald, “A.J. Ramsay celebrates 75th birthday”, July 5, 1915.The Daily Herald, “Ramsay-Nill”, June 22, 1916.The Daily Herald, “More men leave and more going”, August 1, 1918.The Daily Herald, “A.J. Ramsay called to last reward”, August 2, 1917.The Daily Herald, “A.J. Ramsay”, March 19, 1923.The Daily Herald, “Funeral services for Mrs. Ramsay attended by many”, July 6, 1935.The Daily Herald, “”, The Daily Herald, “”, The Gulfport Advocate, “A.J. Ramsay, Jr.”, August 7, 1915.The Pascagoula Democratic Star, “A.J. Ramsay & Company”, November 4, 1881.The Pascagoula Democratic Star, “Ramsay-Myers”, March 21, 1884.<<>:+:<>>~ BIOGRAPHY/OBIT OFREVEREND ALPHONSE KETELS ~The Very Reverend Alphonse Ketels(1854-1921) died at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 11, 1921. He had arrived atNatchez, Mississippi from his native Belgium on June 15, 1885 to commence hisduties as a Catholic priest in Mississippi. Father Alphonse studied for thepriesthood at the Grand Seminaire at Ghent, Belgium. He was ordained inDecember 1881 in Ghent. Father Alphonse was influenced to come to Mississippiby Bishop Francis August Janssens (1843-1897), a Dutchman, who visited theDiocese of Ghent in 1885 to recruit missionary priests for the Diocese ofNatchez.
In December 1897, Father Ketels was at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi when he wasappointed by Bishop Heslin as Biloxi's priest at Nativity B.V.M.
In the summer of 1909, Father Alphonse spent the summer in Europe visiting withhis four sisters at St. Nicholas, Belgium. He returned to Biloxi in late August1909.
Bishop Gunn requested that Mayor John J. Kennedy make funeral and burialarrangement for Father Kettels. His corporal remains were interred in theBiloxi Cemetery after services at the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church.
"FATHER ALPHONSEBURIED THIS A.M."“All that was mortal of the very Rev.Alphonse Ketels, dean and cannon of the Catholic diocese of Natchez, and pastorof the Church of the Nativity at Biloxi, was laid at rest in the local cemeterythis morning, following very impressive services held in the same edifice whichwas constructed some years ago at the direction and with funds furnishedthrough his earnest efforts. Bishop John E. Gunn, assisted by other churchdignitaries, conducted the services at the church and grave. The funeral ofthis beloved priest was attended by people in every walk of life, not only fromthis but other Mississippi coast cities. There attended in a body members ofthe Catholic congregation, Knights of Columbus, of the third degree andd'Iberville Assembly, Daughters of I?, Children of Mary, Promoters of theSacred Heart League. The body of Father Alphonse laid in state in the Church ofthe Nativity, guarded by members of the Biloxi Council, Knights of Columbus, from yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock until this morning at 9 o'clock. Here itwas viewed by throngs of people who sent up prayers while in the presence ofthe deceased. In commemoration of the beloved priest the church was beautifullydecorated, his body lying in the center aisle. Requiem High Mass was held atthe appointed time of nine before a throng of people who filled the church tooverflowing who gathered to pay their last tribute to (the) deceased. Followingthe services at the church the funeral cortege proceeded to the Biloxi cemeterywhere the final services were conducted and the remains of Father Alphonsegently laid into the tomb in final rest, but this will not be the last thoughtof the devoted priest for his many good deeds, excellent work and pleasing dispositionwill long linger in the hearts of all those who came in contact with him duringthe time he resided in Biloxi and had charge of the parish. Most exquisite werethe floral offerings which banked the tomb for some distance, showing the loveand esteem in which he was held by all the hundreds who knew and reverencedhim. Not only did these come from Biloxi but from all parts of the Mississippicoast and the Diocese of Natchez, in which the name of Rev. Father Alphonse wasone to be loved by not only the members of the Catholic congregation but bythose of other denominations as well. Following the death and burial of FatherAlphonse there has been cast over Biloxi a gloom which is felt by the citizens, now that this beloved man has been laid to rest. This was evidenced by the sadexpressions given by the hundreds who attended his body to the cemetery whereit was placed in its last resting place..."REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Rev. Father Alphonse Ketels again home', August 27, 1909, p.1.
The Daily Herald, 'Father Alphonse ill', July 11, 1921, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, 'Very Rev. Father Alphonse passes to great beyond-faithfulcareer', July 13, 1921, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Father Alphonse buried this a.m.', July 13, 1921, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'A tribute to Father Alphonse', July 23, 1921, p. 6.<<+>>HISTORY OF THE NATIVITYBLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHEDRALCatholic tradition in the historic multi-ethnic City of Biloxi finds itsstrongest roots in the development and growth of Nativity Church.
When the French Monarch, Louis XIV, established the colony of Louisiana, Catholic priests accompanied every ship. But a scarcity of priestsprevented them from establishing churches in the towns along the Coast for morethan a hundred years. During that time, the people were dependent onoccasional visits of overworked missionary priests from New Orleans and Mobile.
CONSTRUCTION
Prior to early 1900, Nativity was the parent church, continuing missions datingback to the French Colonial era. It served the entire area, first as amodest structure in 1843, which was severely damaged by an 1869 hurricane; thenas a larger frame church from 1870 until it was obliterated by fire in 1900, the year half of downtown Biloxi fell prey to the fiery conflagration. The tragedy was perhaps unparalleled in the history of the diocese; onefrom which Nativity rose to become larger and stronger.
Under the leadership of Pastor Alphonse Ketels, thecongregation initiated a rebuilding program. In February, 1901, FatherKetels traveled to his native Europe to seek further assistance in therebuilding of his beloved parish.
When the rebuilding program began in November 1901, the Most Reverend ThomasHelsin, Bishop of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, employed the services ofTheodore Brune, a noted German architect residing in New Orleans andresponsible for some of the best buildings constructed in Biloxi at the turn ofthe century, to design a new and much more substantial church for the people ofthe growing parish.
The third church of The Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary, built on thenorthwest corner of West Howard Avenue and Fayard Street, was constructed in1902 by J.F. Barnes and Company. A fine example of late Gothic Revival, the building was dedicated on September 14, 1902 to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most perfect image of how humankind should respond to God's love.
The adversity was not over. More damage would occur in the 1906, 1969, and 1985 hurricanes. Other improvements necessarily followed and continuetoday, revealing impressions of the strong faith and character of Nativity'scontinuous generations of benevolent parishioners and friends, both here andabroad.I am a proud member of theUniversal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC), The Ephemera Society of America, the Manuscript Society and the American Political Items Collectors (APIC)(member name: John Lissandrello). I subscribe to each organizations' code of ethicsand authenticity is guaranteed. ~Providing quality service and historicalmemorabilia online for over twenty years.~
WE ONLY SELL GENUINE ITEMS, i.e., NO REPRODUCTIONS, FAKES OR COPIES!
Three terms as Harrison County Circuit Clerk;
In 1878 served one term in the House ofRepresentatives.***
Obituary
Gulfport Daily Herald, Gulfport Miss.
Thursday August 2, 1917 p. 1
A.J. RAMSAY CALLED TO LAST REWARDNotwithstanding He Had Been Ill For Some Time The Community Was SaddenedBy His Death-
This community was saddened today by the death which occurred just before noonof A.J. Ramsay, one of Harrison county's best known and best beloved citizens.Although he had been in ill health for some time yet the news of his death wasa shock to his many friends.
At the time of his death Mr. Ramsay was 77 years and one month old, having beenborn in Harrison county July 4, 1840.
Mr. Ramsay was the first white Democratic sheriff of Harrison County after the WarBetween the States and served as sheriff later. He was representative in thestate legislature for one term and circuit clerk of the county for two terms.
He was married February 19, 1884, to Miss Mary E. Myers of Whistler, Ala. Tothis union was born three children, two of whom together with the wife survivehim. These two sons are Jefferson E. Ramsay, who is now circuit clerk ofHarrison county, and Benson, the youngest son.
Mr. Ramsay served through the War Between the States in Company A., 3rdMississippi Regiment, and was imprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio. Upon his releasehe walked back to Mississippi. Mr. Ramsay was a member of the Handsboro Lodgeof Masons.
To know Uncle Jeff Ramsay was to love him. He had many relatives over SouthMississippi.
The funeral will take place tomorrow at 10 o'clock from the residence on EastBeach. Interment will be at the Mississippi City cemetery.<> (Extractfrom "History of Harrison County, Mississippi", written by John H.Lang, published by Dixie Press, 1935, page 169)Born July 4th, 1840, at Ramsay, Mississippi.Died August 1st, 1917. Served through the period of the War between the Statesas a private. Held public office for about fifty years, serving as Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, and member of the Legislature. Married at Whistler, Alabama, .February 19th, 1884. There was born to this union three children, A. J. Ramsay, Jr.; Katherine D. Ramsay, and F. B. Ramsay. Katherine D. died January26th, 1909. His widow Mary Myers Ramsay died July 4th, 1935<> Merchant at Stonewall, MSBy 1880, Jeff Ramsay was a merchant atStonewall, Harrison County, Mississippi. He had partnered with WashingtonC. Myers (1845-1880+) before November 1881. They were lauded by areporter for The Pascagoula Democrat-Star and ran thefollowing advertisement: A.J. Ramsay and Wash C. Myers, two clevergentlemen as can be found, and customers will always get some good bargains bytrading them. They keep a general stock of merchandise such as usuallyfound in first class stores.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 4, 1881, p. 3)AdvertisementA.J. RAMSAY & COMPANYA.J.Ramsay WashC. Meyers [sic]Stonewall, MississippiDealer in dry goods, notions, groceries, feed, hats, ready made clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, crockery; in fact everything necessary to country trade. The highest pricespaid for wool and all country produce.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 4, 1881, p. 3)Marriage and familyJeff Ramsay married Mary E. Myers (1856-1935)of Whistler, Alabama on February 19, 1884. Jeff and Mary M. Ramsay were the parents ofthree children: Andrew J. Ramsay Jr. (1885-1923+), called ‘Little Jeff’ m.Martha Corinne Murphy (1890-1966); Katherine ‘Kate’ D. Ramsay (1887-1909); andFrederick Benson Ramsay (1893-1918+) m. Esther Nill (1895-1986), the daughterof Herman J. Nill (1863-1904) and Caroline Vahle Nill Hulsey Kratli(1862-1949).REFERENCES:The Biloxi Daily Herald, Businessand Professional Men, (TheBiloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902).John H. Lang, History of HarrisonCounty, Mississippi, (The Dixie Press: Gulfport, Mississippi-1936)The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, June 2, 1888.The Daily Herald, “Miss Kate Ramsay”, January 27, 1909.The Daily Herald, “A.J. Ramsay celebrates 75th birthday”, July 5, 1915.The Daily Herald, “Ramsay-Nill”, June 22, 1916.The Daily Herald, “More men leave and more going”, August 1, 1918.The Daily Herald, “A.J. Ramsay called to last reward”, August 2, 1917.The Daily Herald, “A.J. Ramsay”, March 19, 1923.The Daily Herald, “Funeral services for Mrs. Ramsay attended by many”, July 6, 1935.The Daily Herald, “”, The Daily Herald, “”, The Gulfport Advocate, “A.J. Ramsay, Jr.”, August 7, 1915.The Pascagoula Democratic Star, “A.J. Ramsay & Company”, November 4, 1881.The Pascagoula Democratic Star, “Ramsay-Myers”, March 21, 1884.<<>:+:<>>~ BIOGRAPHY/OBIT OFREVEREND ALPHONSE KETELS ~The Very Reverend Alphonse Ketels(1854-1921) died at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 11, 1921. He had arrived atNatchez, Mississippi from his native Belgium on June 15, 1885 to commence hisduties as a Catholic priest in Mississippi. Father Alphonse studied for thepriesthood at the Grand Seminaire at Ghent, Belgium. He was ordained inDecember 1881 in Ghent. Father Alphonse was influenced to come to Mississippiby Bishop Francis August Janssens (1843-1897), a Dutchman, who visited theDiocese of Ghent in 1885 to recruit missionary priests for the Diocese ofNatchez.
In December 1897, Father Ketels was at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi when he wasappointed by Bishop Heslin as Biloxi's priest at Nativity B.V.M.
In the summer of 1909, Father Alphonse spent the summer in Europe visiting withhis four sisters at St. Nicholas, Belgium. He returned to Biloxi in late August1909.
Bishop Gunn requested that Mayor John J. Kennedy make funeral and burialarrangement for Father Kettels. His corporal remains were interred in theBiloxi Cemetery after services at the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church.
"FATHER ALPHONSEBURIED THIS A.M."“All that was mortal of the very Rev.Alphonse Ketels, dean and cannon of the Catholic diocese of Natchez, and pastorof the Church of the Nativity at Biloxi, was laid at rest in the local cemeterythis morning, following very impressive services held in the same edifice whichwas constructed some years ago at the direction and with funds furnishedthrough his earnest efforts. Bishop John E. Gunn, assisted by other churchdignitaries, conducted the services at the church and grave. The funeral ofthis beloved priest was attended by people in every walk of life, not only fromthis but other Mississippi coast cities. There attended in a body members ofthe Catholic congregation, Knights of Columbus, of the third degree andd'Iberville Assembly, Daughters of I?, Children of Mary, Promoters of theSacred Heart League. The body of Father Alphonse laid in state in the Church ofthe Nativity, guarded by members of the Biloxi Council, Knights of Columbus, from yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock until this morning at 9 o'clock. Here itwas viewed by throngs of people who sent up prayers while in the presence ofthe deceased. In commemoration of the beloved priest the church was beautifullydecorated, his body lying in the center aisle. Requiem High Mass was held atthe appointed time of nine before a throng of people who filled the church tooverflowing who gathered to pay their last tribute to (the) deceased. Followingthe services at the church the funeral cortege proceeded to the Biloxi cemeterywhere the final services were conducted and the remains of Father Alphonsegently laid into the tomb in final rest, but this will not be the last thoughtof the devoted priest for his many good deeds, excellent work and pleasing dispositionwill long linger in the hearts of all those who came in contact with him duringthe time he resided in Biloxi and had charge of the parish. Most exquisite werethe floral offerings which banked the tomb for some distance, showing the loveand esteem in which he was held by all the hundreds who knew and reverencedhim. Not only did these come from Biloxi but from all parts of the Mississippicoast and the Diocese of Natchez, in which the name of Rev. Father Alphonse wasone to be loved by not only the members of the Catholic congregation but bythose of other denominations as well. Following the death and burial of FatherAlphonse there has been cast over Biloxi a gloom which is felt by the citizens, now that this beloved man has been laid to rest. This was evidenced by the sadexpressions given by the hundreds who attended his body to the cemetery whereit was placed in its last resting place..."REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Rev. Father Alphonse Ketels again home', August 27, 1909, p.1.
The Daily Herald, 'Father Alphonse ill', July 11, 1921, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, 'Very Rev. Father Alphonse passes to great beyond-faithfulcareer', July 13, 1921, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Father Alphonse buried this a.m.', July 13, 1921, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'A tribute to Father Alphonse', July 23, 1921, p. 6.<<+>>HISTORY OF THE NATIVITYBLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHEDRALCatholic tradition in the historic multi-ethnic City of Biloxi finds itsstrongest roots in the development and growth of Nativity Church.
When the French Monarch, Louis XIV, established the colony of Louisiana, Catholic priests accompanied every ship. But a scarcity of priestsprevented them from establishing churches in the towns along the Coast for morethan a hundred years. During that time, the people were dependent onoccasional visits of overworked missionary priests from New Orleans and Mobile.
CONSTRUCTION
Prior to early 1900, Nativity was the parent church, continuing missions datingback to the French Colonial era. It served the entire area, first as amodest structure in 1843, which was severely damaged by an 1869 hurricane; thenas a larger frame church from 1870 until it was obliterated by fire in 1900, the year half of downtown Biloxi fell prey to the fiery conflagration. The tragedy was perhaps unparalleled in the history of the diocese; onefrom which Nativity rose to become larger and stronger.
Under the leadership of Pastor Alphonse Ketels, thecongregation initiated a rebuilding program. In February, 1901, FatherKetels traveled to his native Europe to seek further assistance in therebuilding of his beloved parish.
When the rebuilding program began in November 1901, the Most Reverend ThomasHelsin, Bishop of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, employed the services ofTheodore Brune, a noted German architect residing in New Orleans andresponsible for some of the best buildings constructed in Biloxi at the turn ofthe century, to design a new and much more substantial church for the people ofthe growing parish.
The third church of The Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary, built on thenorthwest corner of West Howard Avenue and Fayard Street, was constructed in1902 by J.F. Barnes and Company. A fine example of late Gothic Revival, the building was dedicated on September 14, 1902 to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most perfect image of how humankind should respond to God's love.
The adversity was not over. More damage would occur in the 1906, 1969, and 1985 hurricanes. Other improvements necessarily followed and continuetoday, revealing impressions of the strong faith and character of Nativity'scontinuous generations of benevolent parishioners and friends, both here andabroad.I am a proud member of theUniversal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC), The Ephemera Society of America, the Manuscript Society and the American Political Items Collectors (APIC)(member name: John Lissandrello). I subscribe to each organizations' code of ethicsand authenticity is guaranteed. ~Providing quality service and historicalmemorabilia online for over twenty years.~
WE ONLY SELL GENUINE ITEMS, i.e., NO REPRODUCTIONS, FAKES OR COPIES!
