By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — The Rev. Leroy White was given a vision and that will become a reality Sunday when Zion Hill Baptist Church dedicates a new church building.

White will lead the Ferriday congregation in a dedication service at 7:45 a.m. Sunday at the church located at 2606 Hwy 65.

“The church, which began more than 125 years ago, has been meeting in the old building for around 27 years. The congregation has grown and the building we have been meeting in was falling apart,” White said. “God gave me the vision to build a new church, I presented that vision to the church and they believed in the vision.”

Construction of the new church building began in June last year. The fresh paint and individual seating is an upgrade from its cinderblock predecessor. The new building features projector screens and other digital advancements to assist the congregation in worship.

Sunday’s events will be followed up with a reception in the foyer of the new church building. There will also be four nights of dedication services beginning Monday evening at 7 p.m.

“We will have other churches from around the area come in and be our guest,” White said. “We also want to open our doors to anyone who wants to come in and celebrate with us.”

White also mentioned future plans for the church including a multi-purpose building. Construction of that building will begin soon.

“We want a place where people can come and walk and play basketball,” White said. “We will also have a commercial kitchen so we will be able to do a lot of things we have not been able to do.”