Occasionally, we experience revelation amidst the mundane, as I did
in late June of 2001. I set off for Memphis to meet with a Chicago friend,
Paul Waggoner. Together, we would go to Biloxi, where he could collect
art work by my sister, Julie, for display in his Chicago gallery, The
International Arts Club.
We left Memphis on Highway 61, heading south on what Paul dubbed his "Delta
Safari", the hunt for art. We were on the out-skirts of Vicksburg,
about four miles out of town when we saw the most unusual group of structures.
Little did I know, I was about to meet two very special people.
More about Reverend Dennis and his Prayer for the Gulf Coast
Pulling off the road we surveyed the cluster of structures.
This was a creation with religious significance. Approaching the main
entrance of what looked like a store. I knocked on the door. The Rev.
Dennis and his wife Margaret greeted us and invited us in.
I can hardly say how events played out, but with in about 15 minutes,
the Rev. Dennis had me sitting in his church –a converted school
bus. He had a sinner. The Reverend H.D. Dennis was ready to preach. Though
in his mid - 80’s and hard of hearing. When he climbs up into that
bus and stands behind that pulpit he comes alive with a spiritual energy
that only intensifies as his services go on.
Paul, who might have found just a little salvation that day, sneaked
out of the service. He went instead, to talk business with the Reverend’s
wife, Margaret, because the artwork that adorned the compound revealed
the Reverend Dennis to be a self – taught, intuitive artist with
compelling flair. Paul managed to secure some of the art works for display at his Chicago gallery.
But I remained in the bus, captivated by the Reverend’s preaching.
I have returned several times on my trips back home to Mississippi to
listen to the sermons of Reverend Dennis. On my most recent trip I videotaped
one of those sermons. I documented the Rev. Dennis’s temple of worship
in hopes that other sinners will one day pile into that bus and let the
Rev. H.D. Dennis drive us all past Saint Peter and through the Pearly
Gates of Heaven.
As one sinner to another, should you be looking for salvation, I as a
sinner highly recommend that you mail in a small donation to the Rev.
Dennis. In my eyes he is a righteous man. I feel his ministry has touched
me and will only do good for the souls that are seeking divine guidance
or spiritual awakening.
I also asked the Rev. Dennis to write a
prayer to protect the Gulf Coast from hurricanes, which is posted
on this site.
Should you send in a small donation to the Save Margaret’s Grocery fund, the spirits of Rev. Dennis and Margaret will be grateful for your support of the ministry, the restoration of their beautiful site, and preservation of his art and message for future generations.
If you are looking for salvation and would like to experience the ministry for yourself, visit at:
Margaret’s Grocery
Rev. H.D.Dennis & Margaret
4535 N. Washington
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39181
