The 12th annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tours are scheduled for Oct. 21 and 23, but the public can get a preview this evening at the Biloxi Visitors Center.
Themed “Biloxi Praise: A Presentation of Churches Past and Present,” this year’s tours focus on individuals that made significant contributions to seven of Biloxi’s most notably historic church congregations. During the preview, hosted by the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Biloxi Public Library, visitors can see presentations by two of this year’s featured characters, dressed in period garb.
“This preview will include re-enactors, information on some of the represented places of worship, an explanation of what to expect at this year’s cemetery tours, and an array of information and displays,” said organizer and historian Jane Shambra. “We will also have some surprise items from the Local History Department’s special collection at this free event.”
The full, self-guided tours of the cemetery will take place Sunday, Oct. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Biloxi City Cemetery. Those attending should park at the Biloxi Elks Lodge. During each two hour tour, 10 re-enactments will portray 15 pastors and congregants from seven churches.
Here is the lineup:
Nativity Blessed Virigin Mary, Father Alphonse Ketels, Elbert Dukate Sr. and Jr., Mabel Dalzell, Frances Tedesco Hunt; Congregation Beth Israel, Earl and Rosa Friedman; Seashore United Methodist Assembly, Alice Smith and Rev. Henry Van Hook; First Baptist Church of Biloxi, Maude Mae Floyd Carter; Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Capt. James Maycock and Julia Guice; First Missionary Baptist Church, Fannie Nichols; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, Leonidas Demetrakopoulos and Nike John Demetrakopoulos.
See the preview event flyer
See the Cemetery Tours flyer
See images from last year’s tours
News & notes: Clean up, Woolmarket Halloween, fishing for catfish
Cemetery clean up: The Preserve Biloxi Committee is requesting volunteers to help clean up the Biloxi Cemetery in preparation for the upcoming cemetery tours. The clean up will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Those interested will meet at the cemetery fountain. For more information, contact the Biloxi Main Street office at 228-435-6339.
Halloween in Woolmarket: The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department will hold its annual Happy Halloween in Woolmarket on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to ages 11 and younger. To see the flyer, click here
Fishing for catfish: The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department will presents the annual Fishing for Catfish Kids Day on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Children ages 15 and younger can visit the Hiller Park pond, bring their tackle box, cooler, fishing string and bait to fish for door prizes. To see more information on this free event, click here.
