Looking back: All Saints’ Chapel

When the construction of All Saints’ School was first discussed in 1907, the plan was to build a separate chapel building. When funds were not available for the building, a chapel was included in the new main building that was completed in 1909 instead.

For a number of years thereafter, student groups held fundraising concerts with the proceeds being set aside for a chapel building. Enough funds were not forthcoming, however. In 1945, the Council of the Diocese of Mississippi voted in favor of having a chapel constructed. It was decided the chapel would be dedicated to the memory of Bishop Theodore Dubois Bratton, 3rd Bishop of All Saints’. It was not until 1956 that the Gothic Revival chapel was constructed.

The building was designed by Charles Roberts, of Alexandria, La., and N. W. Overstreet, of Jackson, and built by W. T. Walker Company, of Vicksburg, for $104,750 and held 150 people. Architect Noah Webster Overstreet was the most prolific and influential architect practicing in Mississippi during the 20 th century, designing about 900 buildings during his career.

Construction of the chapel was supervised by J.  Rigby Perry, chairman of the properties committee, and Dr. George Street, chairman of the finance committee for All Saints’. Furnishings for the new chapel were chosen by the properties committee of All Saints’ and the committee of the Women’s Auxiliary of Mississippi. The women chose the altar, pews, and other furnishings.They accepted a bid from Feld Furniture Company for the carpet to cover the sanctuary, chancel, and center aisle. They also chose the George Payne Studio of Patterson, N.J. for the stained glass rose window over the altar.

The first services were held in the new Bishop Bratton Memorial Chapel on March 19, 1956.

– Nancy Bell, Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation .