Conversations between the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and the Town of Vaiden have been ongoing for some time now, contemplating a conveyance of St. Clement’s Church to the Town for its use as a community center. Because worship and other ministry at St. Clement’s ended years ago, its conveyance would not result in the displacement of a worshipping community. Rather, giving prayerful consideration to a conveyance to the Town was a reflection of the Diocese’s stewardship of an historic property and exploration of how to best care for it without allowing it to fall into complete ruin. By placing the building in the hands of a party interested in ensuring its preservation in the community, we would also ensure the preservation of its history.

The Trustees of the Diocese and the Standing Committee voted in favor of the conveyance. In furtherance of the conveyance, Bishop Wells officiated the deconsecration (secularization) of St. Clement’s on Friday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. Some of St. Clement’s appointments—pews, hymn boards and the presider’s chair—were gifted to Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork, continuing their holy use in that church as it is rebuilt after having been hit by a devastating tornado in 2023.
We are grateful for the interest of the Town of Vaiden in continuing the use of this property to enhance the life and work of the Town, and prayerful that the property will continue to serve that community for years to come.