Historical account of redeemer-biloxi (Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi, MS):

• Origins: Began in 1849 under Rev. Thomas S. Savage. First Protestant church in Biloxi. Chartered in 1853, admitted to the Diocese in 1859.
• Historic Sanctuaries:
  • 1874 Church: Located at Howard Ave & Nixon St. Jefferson Davis was a member and vestryman. Later became the parish hall.
  • 1892 Church: Built on Beach Blvd & Bellman St on land donated by Harry T. Howard; dedicated to Rev. R. G. Hinsdale.
• Hurricane Camille (Aug 17, 1969): Destroyed the 1892 church and rectory. The 1874 structure (old church) and bell tower survived. Keesler AFB volunteers helped clean the debris.
• Reconstruction & Art:
  • German stained glass fragments from the Davis family were salvaged. Parishioner Mrs. Everette Pease designed a new Christ window.
  • Dr. Paul Dufour (LSU) created the "Window of Hope" for the 24-hour prayer bell tower.
  • Reopened Christmas Eve 1969. Funded by selling bricks, a 1970 cookbook, and a 25-year annual antique show.
• Traditions: In the late 1970s, rector Father Jack Biggers (later Bishop of Northern Malawi) initiated the Blessing of the Animals.