Under the very eaves of old “Rosalie” with its historic background of Fort Rosalie, stands a sturdy square structure known as “The Parsonage”.

It is a brick building with an English basement, the entrance leading by broad steps to the elevated first floor.

While of no particular historic interest, The Parsonage has its story.

It was built by Peter Little, the owner and builder of Rosalie, and bears the same evidence of sturdy construction exemplified in the larger home.

Like most men, Mr. Little wanted the privacy of his own home, while Mrs. Little, due to religious enthusiasm, felt called upon to entertain every preacher and his family who passed that way. By reason of this devotion to religious duty, “Rosalie” was kept filled with ministerial guests.

Following a long siege of such guests Mr. Little declared to his wife, “I am going to build a home for your church friends and their families”. True to this decision he built a lovely home, and in November 1850 deeded it to the Methodist Church and called it “The Parsonage”.

After the death of his young wife Mr. Little lived on at Rosalie, a brokenhearted, lonely old man, until, tradition tells, while ill and alone, in the dark hours of night, the master of Rosalie and builder of The Parsonage which he designed to insure his seclusion, was murdered by one of his own slaves.

Later The Parsonage was sold. Today, with its exquisite antique furnishings, it is the property of the Orrick Metcalfs, who are descendants of one of Natchez’ oldest and most respected families.