Historical, stylistic, and architectural background on Mississippi's most notable churches and synagogues is provided in this photographic tribute to the state's religious architecture, which represents a broad spectrum of styles and forms that range from simple wood-frame rural churches to elaborate cathedrals.

Lost Churches of Mississippi is a collection of archival photographs, postcards, and drawings of more than one hundred notable churches and synagogues vanquished by fire, disaster, development, or neglect. Constructed primarily from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s, these places of worship were often among the most visually prominent and architecturally striking buildings in Mississippi. Storms, floods, tornadoes, flames, bulldozers, or the disbandment of congregations razed what once was hallowed. In Lost Churches of Mississippi, architectural historian Richard J. Cawthon reclaims such noteworthy churches as the old St. Paul's Catholic Church in Vicksburg, Bethel Presbyterian Church near Columbus, the old Trinity Episcopal Church in Pass Christian, and the old First Presbyterian Church in Yazoo City. Selections represent over fifty towns and cities throughout the state and are captured in 180 distinctive black-and-white illustrations from several historical archives and other collections. Cawthon discusses the architectural features and historical background of each house of worship and provides a brief introduction that illuminates the study of lost buildings, as well as a glossary of architectural terms and an annotated bibliography. Lost Churches of Mississippi rescues a cardinal legacy and recognizes a portion of the state's rich architectural and religious heritage.

For every parent who is looking for hope, encouragement, a miracle, or a way out of the storm.

Hurricane Katrina had already struck south Florida as a mild Category 1 hurricane, but after returning to the Gulf of Mexico and regaining strength, she was back! Only this time, she was predicted to be a dangerous Category 5 hurricane, and her next target was none other than New Orleans, Louisiana. For years, the city was warned that a storm like Katrina could eventually strike, but no one knew exactly when. Yet, in 2005, the time had finally arrived. Hurricane Katrina had her eye on the Crescent City. As the city's residents scrambled to prepare for the worst, thousands hunkered down while countless others evacuated. But one eastern New Orleans church called Smoking for Jesus Ministry made plans to evacuate and weather the storm together! In a 40-car caravan of approximately 200 members, they began a journey that would mark one of the greatest modern-day deliverance stories of our time. This is a story of the utter devastation, tragedy, and losses surrounding Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. More importantly, though, this is a story of how this church experienced the hope of God's peace, love, provision, and faithfulness through the storms. And as they traveled together throughout the states of Louisiana and Texas, they had no earthly idea of the amazing promises of God that awaited them at the end of the journey. But first, they would need to survive! Mount Up! This is the story of How One Church Survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.