‪At first glance, upon entering the beautiful and historic town of Port Gibson, Mississippi, along Route 61, a visitor might think there are more churches than people. Most noticeable and most celebrated is the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Walnut Street and Church Street. The present structure was built in 1859. Despite a congregation that numbered only 160 at the time, the sanctuary was constructed with a vision of growth. The room measures 66 feet from front to rear, 49 feet from side to side and 36 feet from the floor to the center of the vaulted ceiling. The acoustic environment allows for over 400 people to hear a speaker without any need for electrical amplification. The decorative plaster work, the moldings around the window and the beautiful arch behind the pulpit are impressive. But the unique feature that sets this Romanesque Revival style church aside from others is "The Hand Pointing to Heaven," which can be seen atop the newly re-enforced steeple. The first hand was carved from wood by a local craftsman. The present hand was installed in 1901, repaired and replated and raised again in 1990. The distance from the sidewalk to the tip of the finger measures 147 feet. The hand is 10 feet, four inches tall and the index finger is four feet long. It weighs 200 pounds and is covered by the finest German gold leaf. The clock is original to the building and the bell, which was first rung in 1860, weighs 2,032 pounds.‬

كُتب بتاريخ 14 أبريل 2021

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California_momofsix

Fairfield1,084 مساهمة

‪Look to heaven‬

‪When we visited, the church wasn't open (maybe due to covid), so we only saw the outside. I have little to add to the detailed review below. It is a beautiful church and you can't miss the golden finger pointing upwards to heaven. For us passing through during turbulent times, it was a poignant reminder of hope and remembering our Heavenly Father in all things.‬

كُتب بتاريخ 23 سبتمبر 2020

Taylor B

شيكاغو, إلينوي7,720 مساهمة

‪The Church with the Golden Hand‬

‪The First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson, Mississippi, is among the most recognizable and historic churches in the state. Located at the corner of Walnut Street and Church Street, it is known for its unique steeple adorned not with a traditional cross but with a golden hand pointing toward heaven. Completed in 1860, the First Presbyterian Church is among several houses of worship located on Port Gibson's beautiful, tree-shaded main street, officially designated as U.S. Highway 61 but known locally and more appropriately as Church Street. The interior of the Romanesque Revival church also is memorable for its elegance and three chandeliers from the famed riverboat Robert E. Lee. Why the golden hand? According to legend, it is attributed to the Rev. Zebulon Butler, who served as a pastor in Port Gibson for 34 years. Known as a great preacher, he often raised his fist with a quivering index finger jabbing toward heaven. Ironically, the first service held in the new First Presbyterian Church was his own funeral. As a suitable memorial for their beloved preacher, the congregation decided to erect a hand pointing toward heaven on the top of the steeple to mimic the Rev. Butler's oft-seen gesture in the pulpit. The first hand was carved from wood and covered with gold leaf. In 1900, it was replaced by the current 11-foot-tall metal hand.‬

كُتب بتاريخ 8 سبتمبر 2019

John W

‪Shreveport‬, لويزيانا358 مساهمة

‪Must see on your travels south of Vicksburg‬

زوجان •

‪"Too beautiful to burn" is what Ulysses Grant said about Port Gibson. It is still that way today and this church is one of the main attractions. Don't miss seeing this slice of Mississippi.‬

كُتب بتاريخ 30 أبريل 2019

Darlena J

Milwaukee, United States16 مساهمة

‪Hand to God!‬

العائلة •

‪This is a beautiful representation of always remembering God first. There is a Golden Hand that points toward the sky. The entire town has interesting historical facts.‬

كُتب بتاريخ 20 أغسطس 2018

shirley202

‪Memphis‬, ‪Tennessee‬561 مساهمة

‪Historic, well preserved church‬

زوجان •

‪We were excited to find the First Presbyterian Church while driving through. Very well cared for. The hand was unusual. Loved to explore for a while longer....‬

كُتب بتاريخ 18 مايو 2018

Robert W

‪Park Ridge‬, إلينوي3,121 مساهمة

‪Rather than a cross on the steeple, a finger of a golden hand points to heaven‬

بمفردك •

‪A short side trip from the Natchez Trace Parkway leads to Port Gibson and the unique steeple of the First Presbyterian Church.‬

كُتب بتاريخ 16 سبتمبر 2017

Ladytech147

‪Jonesboro‬, لويزيانا203 مساهمات

‪Golden Hand Point up to the Sky!‬

الأصدقاء •

‪The church with Golden hand is amazing and beautiful church.. There are historic houses with history post next to the church that you can walk on sidewalk! The street has amazing oak trees hanging down the road!
I would recommend you to go see it.. The weather was sunshine that morning..‬

كُتب بتاريخ 10 أبريل 2017

pb1972

‪Nacogdoches‬, تكساس103 مساهمات

‪Breathtaking yet sad‬

زوجان •

‪Amazing piece of architectural ruins - what a shame it burned in 1890, a good side trip off the Natchez Trace‬

كُتب بتاريخ 17 مارس 2017

Motorcyclebuds

‪Somerset‬, ‪Kentucky‬512 مساهمة

‪Fickle finger of fate‬

الأصدقاء •

‪I believe Rowan and Martin TV show added notoriety to this church. Plenty of parking designated for motorcycles. This was probably intended to point the way towards heaven?!‬

كُتب بتاريخ 30 نوفمبر 2016

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