Civil War Reenactment At St. Alban’s Church Celebrates 151 years in Bovina, MS By Kenon Ruska St. Alban's Episcopal Church, located in Bovina, MS, celebrates 151 years of worship October 31-November 1. First built in 1858, the church building was used by armies on both sides of the Civil War. The original, brick church saw first Confederate and then Union soldiers bivouacked on the grounds. The church is just yards from the railroad and only a few miles from the site of the Big Black River battle. It served as a hospital for Union troops. It was destroyed during the war, with only the original cornerstone and a few bits of glass preserved. Two Union soldiers remain buried in the cemetery. A second church, a wooden structure, was built in 1870. Later, it was bricked, and joined to the "new" church, which was built in 1927. In 1928, this building was rotated 90 degrees. The attached buildings are still in use today. The church is truly a country church, with many members having 3 or 4 generations attending together. Several events are scheduled to celebrate the 151st anniversary. They include a Civil War encampment and skirmish, Boy Scout encampment, Cemetery Living History Tour and Luminary Memorial Service. Horse rides and period games will be available. For more information call the church at 601-636-6687 or visit the web site: www.stalbansbovina.org. Following is the schedule of events: Saturday, October 31: Encampments; early afternoon Civil War skirmish and firing of the cannon). 4 PM: Cemetery tour. Costumed re-enactors interpret the life and times of selected people buried in the cemetery. 6 PM - All Hallows Eve Memorial. Sunday, November 1: Encampments continue 8:30 AM and 11 AM - church services. Worshipers are invited to wear period costumes. 12 noon - 2 PM - Dinner on the Grounds, with live music, a country market, pony rides, children's activities.