We have driven thousands of miles in the Delta over the past few years. We are often struck by the enormous changes to the countryside, especially the smoothing of the landscape for massive agricultural projects. In the towns and hamlets, a grim vestige of the past hangs on..
One significant institution, the African American church, appears to be vital. The ramshackle wooden, but sacred buildings of the past are now painted, repaired and await their Sunday mornings. In the towns, such as Mound Bayou, there is an explosion of churches that makes one wonder how such is possible in the midst of poverty.
The white church appears to be going through another process. We have observed a number of congregations, especially Pentacostals, that have vibrant attendence with significant integration of the worshippers. We also see the Catholics, in many areas, growing. The downtown mainline churches do not appear to be fairing as well, though its hard to make a definitive staltement. And there appears to be a move, especially among the Southern Baptists, to create "mega-churches" with counseling services, daycare, singles clubs, and multiple other activities that go throughout the week. Additionally, the small sects, Holiness, Believers and others still make their mark in the strip malls and along country roads.
