In Vicksburg:
175-Year History Continues at First Presbyterian
Jacob's Ladder is newest outreach ministry
by Jane Hines
Jacob's Ladder is a school for special needs children,
a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The
church is 175 years old this year. Jacob's Ladder has been in existence
there for just a few months.
To paint a word picture of First Presbyterian Church
in Vicksburg, I would use these words: stalwart, brave, persevering,
dedicated, historic, up-to-date, positive, realistic.
To paint a word picture of Jacob's Ladder, I would
use these words: love, smiles, happiness, accomplishments, dedication,
acceptance.
A historian would be interested to know just how
First Presbyterian Church managed to survive the awful siege of Vicksburg
during the War Between the States. The session minutes don't say; they
ended with the beginning of that decisive battle and began again when
the war was over, but they never commented on what went on between those
times. Years of reconstruction deeply tested the character, soul and
courage of the people, according to church historian Frank E. Everett,
Jr. The church survived. And the church survived two deadly yellow fever
epidemics and two financial panics, Everett tells us.
A special education teacher would be interested
to know that a group of young special needs children are learning to
answer the telephone, set the table, prepare a simple meal, and even
use a computer. Some of the things they are learning are usually not
tried until age 21, but at Jacob's Ladder, the children are happy, the
teacher is happy, the parents are happy and everyone is smiling about
accomplishments.
In a history covering the first 150 years of the
Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, Frank Everett writes: "The then
existing church group officially and legally incorporated in 1830. Therefore,
1830 is the year of incorporation ... but the actual founding dates
back to 1826. ... A handful of isolated and determined Presbyterians
had formed a group and built the first church structure in Vicksburg,
and then another better building. ... Many preachers came and went.
Tenure was despairingly brief. Laymen provided continuity and staunch
leadership. The congregation, particularly the ladies, remained strong
and resolute. Yet the little Presbyterian church endured until it reached
a stage of strength and stability, ready to launch into a new century."
Everett was speaking of the beginning of the 20th
century then. Now, pastor Steve Bryant speaks of the strength of the
congregation at the beginning of the 21st century. "They focus
on serving Christ and they refuse to let anything distract them from
serving Christ," he said. "As a group, they are fairly diverse
and they love each other," he added. Steve says he has never known
a church to be more harmonious or friendly or more fun. At an anniversary
celebration in October of this year, recognition was made of how the
church has been blessed in recent times with outstanding ministers,
including a 30-year ministry by Bill Mansell who set the tone for the
young men who would follow him. Danny Massie, Rusty Douglas and Lane
Alderman preceded Steve Bryant and as they gathered for the celebration,
they reflected on how many times their paths had crossed in other churches
in the Synod of Living Waters in recent years.
Bryant says that the Vicksburg church is now deeply
involved in mission, both world mission and local mission, especially
in a community counseling center. And Jacob's Ladder is their newest
venture. But the children at Jacob's Ladder are not just recipients,
they are participants in the life of the church. They help stuff envelopes
for mailings in the office and set the tables for the Wednesday night
dinners.
Sandra Brooks, the special education teacher at
Jacob's Ladder, has 25 years of experience in the public schools, but
this is the assignment that brings her in smiling every morning. She
looks forward to being with the boys and they obviously love her dearly.
It's a happy family affair, with John Brooks, Sandra's spouse and church
elder, taking care of getting the house in order. In the front part
of the house, Elizabeth Bryant runs an upscale stationery business which
helps with the financial support of Jacob's Ladder. At the church, Steve
Bryant is dedicated to this endeavor which meets special needs of his
and Elizabeth's son Stevie as well as other children in the community.
The boys take care of each other with smiles that are real and skills
they can be proud of. They have even learned to go grocery shopping
and check themselves out through the scanner.
Perhaps the word that best describes both the church
and Jacob's Ladder is perseverance. And the gift that keeps them going
is a special blessing from God.
Sandra Brooks and Elizabeth Bryant and the boys pose
happily
on the front steps of Jacob's Ladder.
Pastor Steve Bryant provides a hug
for one of the boys at Jacob's Ladder.
