Sterling native creates bust of historic trailblazer for Mississippi church

STERLING — Sterling native Bob Willis, now of Edmond, sculpted a bust of Hiram Rhodes Revels that was recognized in an unveiling ceremony Sept. 30 at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church in Natchez, Miss.

Revels was an early pastor of Zion Chapel. In 1870, he became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress. Following his time in office, Revels became the first president of Alcorn A&M College, which is now Alcorn State University, in Lorman, Miss.

Zion Chapel, with assistance from Visit Natchez, hired Willis to create the bust in Revel’s honor. The church presented Willis’ work to the public during the afternoon ceremony that drew more than 70 people, including several descendants of Revels, as well as Mississippi State Senators Robert Johnson and Albert Butler.

“It was my honor to sculpt a bust of Hiram Revels, recognizing his faithful service to his community, to our Country, and to our God,” said Willis, a retired pastor with a passion for telling stories through his art. Willis is a 1966 graduate of Sterling High School.

Over the years, Willis has sculpted several busts related to Natchez, including one of John Roy Lynch, which he donated to the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. His work shows a special interest in Natchez’s history.

Willis said he appreciated the opportunity to recognize Revels through his work.

Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez, said that he and Visit Natchez were happy to assist with the Zion Chapel program. He said that Willis’ work was phenomenal and that it captured an exact likeness of Revels.

“The resemblance is simply stunning,” Barnes said. “Not only does it look exactly like the photos we have of Revels, but it also resembles his descendants. We are all grateful to Willis for his talent and his amazing creation.”

Barnes said that he and Visit Natchez are also proud of Mitchell and Zion Chapel for honoring Revels “with this important work of art by Bob Willis.” Barnes said the bust is not only an exceptional piece of art, but it is a tool through which the story of Hiram Revels will be told for generations to come.