Old Hebron Baptist Church in Jefferson Davis County is celebrating its Bicentennial this Oct. 31.

Guest speakers scheduled to share that morning include Rep. Noah Sandford, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, New Hebron Mayor Cindy Bryan, the Rev. Randy Gardner and representatives from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and Mississippi Baptist Convention’s Historical Commission.

Two hundred years ago, settlers arrived in what is now west Jefferson Davis County. Despite the swamps, forests and lack of roads, these settlers began to carve out a community.

One of the first priorities was a church, so Old Hebron Baptist Church was born.

Old Hebron, among a few others, was a key fellowship at the beginning of statehood for Mississippi.  Such men as Gov. Longino saw the impact of the leadership coming from this community and leaned heavily upon men and women from this part of the state as Mississippi began and grew.

“We invite the people from all of the communities around us to join us on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. for a great day of celebration,” said Old Hebron pastor Rev. Micah Rutland. The church is located two miles east of New Hebron on Hwy 42.