African American Religious Developments
After the Civil War and emancipation, African American churches emerged as major centers of the postbellum African American community. In Tuscaloosa, some African American congregants sought to remain in their antebellum churches. When their request for full and equal status was denied, most joined one of the newly formed independent black churches, such as Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion, First African Baptist, Bailey Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal, and Salem Presbyterian Church 1880 (renamed Brown Memorial in 1932). The documents below provide insights into the postwar African American religious developments in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Document 1: De-legitimating African American Independent Church Efforts, 1869
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article is dismissive of Prince Murrell and other African Americans forming separate congregations and offering an African American religious tradition in Tuscaloosa.
County Court was in session last week, and tried the case of Prince Murrell (colored preacher). – He stood charged with Purcelling (assaulting and battering) the charming persons of a Madamoiselle Cremora Crabb (a hard-shell she-crab). The Black Prince was fined one hundred dollars – a small sum, that may easily be collected from the “burden and sistern” of his congregation. So much for Purcell’s bad precedent.
Source: “Untitled,” The Independent Monitor (Tuscaloosa, AL), January 5, 1869, 3.
County Court was in session last week, and tried the case of Prince Murrell (colored preacher). – He stood charged with Purcelling (assaulting and battering) the charming persons of a Madamoiselle Cremora Crabb (a hard-shell she-crab). The Black Prince was fined one hundred dollars – a small sum, that may easily be collected from the “burden and sistern” of his congregation. So much for Purcell’s bad precedent.
Source: “Untitled,” The Independent Monitor (Tuscaloosa, AL), January 5, 1869, 3.
Document 2: African American Baptists Make a Fundraising Appeal, 1870
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this letter to the editor appeals to Tusacloosa readers for donations and support of African American Baptists efforts to construct a church building in Tuscaloosa.
Tuskaloosa, Jan. 5, 1870.
Mr. Editor:
I hope you will find a place in your paper for these few lines, which I will ask your honor to put in for me.
I thank my liberal hearted white friends for their friendly aid on last Monday and Tuesday week. I sent James Leach, Assistant Agent, with a paper to ask the white people to help us, and it made us feel proud to think that we had such white friends as we have here among us. – We hope that the white people will continue their aid until we accomplish our design. It has been though by the most of our friends who would help us, that we had collected money to build a house of worship, and had destroyed the money. I will inform our friends that that was the Zion connection, and this is the Colored Baptist. What money we raised for that purpose has been put into bank, and we expect to put it to a good purpose. We hope our friends will no more throw up Zion to us. We think that we can raise the money here amongst us, without applying any foreign aid.
I am your obedient servant,
Prince Murrell, Ag’t
James Leach, Ass’t Ag’t
Jesse Kohler, Treasurer
Source: Prince Murrell, James Leach and Jesse Kohler, letter to the editor, The Independent Monitor (Tuscaloosa, AL), January 11, 1870, 3.
Tuskaloosa, Jan. 5, 1870.
Mr. Editor:
I hope you will find a place in your paper for these few lines, which I will ask your honor to put in for me.
I thank my liberal hearted white friends for their friendly aid on last Monday and Tuesday week. I sent James Leach, Assistant Agent, with a paper to ask the white people to help us, and it made us feel proud to think that we had such white friends as we have here among us. – We hope that the white people will continue their aid until we accomplish our design. It has been though by the most of our friends who would help us, that we had collected money to build a house of worship, and had destroyed the money. I will inform our friends that that was the Zion connection, and this is the Colored Baptist. What money we raised for that purpose has been put into bank, and we expect to put it to a good purpose. We hope our friends will no more throw up Zion to us. We think that we can raise the money here amongst us, without applying any foreign aid.
I am your obedient servant,
Prince Murrell, Ag’t
James Leach, Ass’t Ag’t
Jesse Kohler, Treasurer
Source: Prince Murrell, James Leach and Jesse Kohler, letter to the editor, The Independent Monitor (Tuscaloosa, AL), January 11, 1870, 3.
Document 3: Constructing a New African American Baptist Church, 1873
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article details the efforts of African American Baptists in constructing a new church building in Tuscaloosa.
The colored Baptists of this city are tearing down the old brick building heretofore used by them as a house of worship, with a view of erecting on the same site a new edifice. The place is at the head of the street leading down to the river. Prince Murrell, the pastor, has been a regular paying subscriber of the Blade, just as he was, also, of the Independent Monitor; proving that he is a man not only of piety but of intelligence and honesty, too; and not every individual whom the public regards as pious, possess honesty. It would not be amiss for some white folks (whom we could name) to imitate his illustrious example, at least, so far as lies in the punctual payment of printers’ dues.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), August 21, 1873, 3.
The colored Baptists of this city are tearing down the old brick building heretofore used by them as a house of worship, with a view of erecting on the same site a new edifice. The place is at the head of the street leading down to the river. Prince Murrell, the pastor, has been a regular paying subscriber of the Blade, just as he was, also, of the Independent Monitor; proving that he is a man not only of piety but of intelligence and honesty, too; and not every individual whom the public regards as pious, possess honesty. It would not be amiss for some white folks (whom we could name) to imitate his illustrious example, at least, so far as lies in the punctual payment of printers’ dues.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), August 21, 1873, 3.
Document 4: Notice of the Colored Baptist State Convention, 1873
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article advertises a regional Baptist convention held in Tuscaloosa.
The Colored Baptist State Convention will meet in Tuskaloosa on Wednesday, November 12, prox.
Rev. Prince Murrell, President
Tuskaloosa, Oct. 30, 1873.
Source: “Untitled Notice” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), November 6, 1873, 3.
The Colored Baptist State Convention will meet in Tuskaloosa on Wednesday, November 12, prox.
Rev. Prince Murrell, President
Tuskaloosa, Oct. 30, 1873.
Source: “Untitled Notice” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), November 6, 1873, 3.
Document 5: White Attitudes Toward African American Baptists' Activities, 1873
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article notes the activities of African American Baptists in building a network of Baptist Churches in state. Tuscaloosa Baptists hosted a regional convention in Tuscaloosa.
…Last week there arrived several colored Baptist preachers to attend their Convention which met there on Tuesday. Verily, they took time by the forelook. Our streets are filled with crying chickens, as a consequence. They made a mistake in the time by just one week. Darky preachers still arriving.
…The new colored Baptist Church is nearly completed – near enough to enable Prince Murrell to be in all his mundane glory.
Source: “Daily Dots,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), November 13, 1873, 3.
…Last week there arrived several colored Baptist preachers to attend their Convention which met there on Tuesday. Verily, they took time by the forelook. Our streets are filled with crying chickens, as a consequence. They made a mistake in the time by just one week. Darky preachers still arriving.
…The new colored Baptist Church is nearly completed – near enough to enable Prince Murrell to be in all his mundane glory.
Source: “Daily Dots,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), November 13, 1873, 3.
Document 6: African American Baptists' Fundraising Fair, 1873
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article details the fundraising efforts of African American Baptists in constructing a church building in Tuscaloosa.
…The colored Baptists held a Fair at the residence of Lawrence Weaver, Tuesday night, for the purpose of raising funds with which to complete the new church now in course of erection. The Fair is said to have been quite a success; and a gentleman to whom some of the supper was sent, reports that this feature was faultless. About $100, clear of all expenses, were thus raised.
Source: “Daily Dots,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), December 18, 1873, 3.
…The colored Baptists held a Fair at the residence of Lawrence Weaver, Tuesday night, for the purpose of raising funds with which to complete the new church now in course of erection. The Fair is said to have been quite a success; and a gentleman to whom some of the supper was sent, reports that this feature was faultless. About $100, clear of all expenses, were thus raised.
Source: “Daily Dots,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), December 18, 1873, 3.
Document 7: Church News, 1874
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article is dismissive of African Americans forming separate congregations and offering African American religious tradition in Tuscaloosa.
All is quiet along the line of Little Zion Church. The blind preacher has ceased to lead the blind. Glory!
Tom Lomax left here three months ago to seek his fortune in Texas. He went to Dallas, and thence traveled over the best portions of the State. He saw enough of the “elephant,” and like the repentant prodigal son, has returned to Tuskaloosa. J. C. Baker, who went with him, still “sticks it out,” living on the husks of the Lone Star State.
…Gillis Sellick (colored), a well known and respected carpenter in this city, died, Monday morning, after a few days illness from pneumonia. Gillis was pastor of the colored Methodist Church, and preached in the basement of the white folks’ Methodist Church in this city.
Source: “Daily Dots,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), September 10, 1874, 3.
All is quiet along the line of Little Zion Church. The blind preacher has ceased to lead the blind. Glory!
Tom Lomax left here three months ago to seek his fortune in Texas. He went to Dallas, and thence traveled over the best portions of the State. He saw enough of the “elephant,” and like the repentant prodigal son, has returned to Tuskaloosa. J. C. Baker, who went with him, still “sticks it out,” living on the husks of the Lone Star State.
…Gillis Sellick (colored), a well known and respected carpenter in this city, died, Monday morning, after a few days illness from pneumonia. Gillis was pastor of the colored Methodist Church, and preached in the basement of the white folks’ Methodist Church in this city.
Source: “Daily Dots,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), September 10, 1874, 3.
Document 8: Dr. Stillman and Organizing an African American Presbyterian Church, 1879
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article details the efforts of Dr. Charles Stillman, a Stillman College founder, in creating an African American Presbyterian church in Tuscaloosa.
The Presbytery of Tuskaloosa, consisting of 18 ministers and 30 churches, met at New Hope Church, Sept. 25th.
Present – 9 Ministers and 18 Ruling Elders.
The Opening Sermon was preached by Rev. A. A. Morse, the last Moderator present. Text: Psalms 120:1.
Rev. L. S. Handley was chosen Moderator and T. W. Coleman, Esq., and L. A. Lavender, Temporary Clerks.
Rev. I. P. Osborne was received from the Presbytery of Columbia, after the usual examination. Rev. J. W. Kerr was dismissed to the Presbytery of Mississippi, and Rev. W. White to the Presbytery of North Mississippi.
The Pastoral relations between Rev. H. R. Raymond and Livingston Church was dissolved and Mr. R. obtained leave to labor without our bounds, with a view to his accepting a call to Tallahassee, Florida.
A committee, consisting of Rev’ds D. D. Sanderson and C. M. Hutton, with Elders A. Mawhinney and S. H. Sprott, were appointed to organize a Church at York Station, if the way be clear.
A committee, consisting of the Session of Tuskaloosa Church, with Dr. Stillman as chairman, were appointed to organize a Colored Church at Tuskaloosa. The design is to form a Colored Presbytery.
The Conference, “Providence, and it’s related truths,” were postponed till next meeting – Rev. T. S. Winn, Essayist.
Narratives of Religion were received from 16 of our Churches, reporting 21 Sabbath Schools, mostly in a flourishing condition. Many churches report a few additions.
A minute was brought in reference to the death of Jonathan Bliss, of Gainesville Church, expressive of his long-continued and valuable labors in the Church.
New Hope Church was organized by Rev. --- Porter, in 1820. The congregations were large and the order unexceptionable. There were a large number of visitors from Hale, Sumter, Pickens and Greene.
Refreshments is overflowing abundance were provided on the ground.
The occasion was one long to be remember by the Presbytery and community.
Presbytery adjourned to meet at Gadsden, Thursday before the 1st Sabbath in May next.
Source: “The Prebytery of Tuscaloosa,” The Eutaw Whig and Observer (Eutaw, AL), October 2, 1879, 2.
The Presbytery of Tuskaloosa, consisting of 18 ministers and 30 churches, met at New Hope Church, Sept. 25th.
Present – 9 Ministers and 18 Ruling Elders.
The Opening Sermon was preached by Rev. A. A. Morse, the last Moderator present. Text: Psalms 120:1.
Rev. L. S. Handley was chosen Moderator and T. W. Coleman, Esq., and L. A. Lavender, Temporary Clerks.
Rev. I. P. Osborne was received from the Presbytery of Columbia, after the usual examination. Rev. J. W. Kerr was dismissed to the Presbytery of Mississippi, and Rev. W. White to the Presbytery of North Mississippi.
The Pastoral relations between Rev. H. R. Raymond and Livingston Church was dissolved and Mr. R. obtained leave to labor without our bounds, with a view to his accepting a call to Tallahassee, Florida.
A committee, consisting of Rev’ds D. D. Sanderson and C. M. Hutton, with Elders A. Mawhinney and S. H. Sprott, were appointed to organize a Church at York Station, if the way be clear.
A committee, consisting of the Session of Tuskaloosa Church, with Dr. Stillman as chairman, were appointed to organize a Colored Church at Tuskaloosa. The design is to form a Colored Presbytery.
The Conference, “Providence, and it’s related truths,” were postponed till next meeting – Rev. T. S. Winn, Essayist.
Narratives of Religion were received from 16 of our Churches, reporting 21 Sabbath Schools, mostly in a flourishing condition. Many churches report a few additions.
A minute was brought in reference to the death of Jonathan Bliss, of Gainesville Church, expressive of his long-continued and valuable labors in the Church.
New Hope Church was organized by Rev. --- Porter, in 1820. The congregations were large and the order unexceptionable. There were a large number of visitors from Hale, Sumter, Pickens and Greene.
Refreshments is overflowing abundance were provided on the ground.
The occasion was one long to be remember by the Presbytery and community.
Presbytery adjourned to meet at Gadsden, Thursday before the 1st Sabbath in May next.
Source: “The Prebytery of Tuscaloosa,” The Eutaw Whig and Observer (Eutaw, AL), October 2, 1879, 2.
Document 9: Organizing an African American Presbyterian Church, 1879
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article details the efforts leading the creation of an African American Presbyterian church in Tuscaloosa.
Last Sunday evening, the colored Presbyterians of this city took initiatory steps towards organizing a colored Presbyterian church, by the encouragement and sanction of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery. This move has been delayed from the want of at least a partially educated ministry, - but as this difficulty is being met by the practical success of the Institute for training Colored Ministers, the organization of a separate church seems to be the next step in order. We learn that Mr. Rankin, the Assembly’s Professor, is the right man in the right place; and that the students under him are making commendable progress. The colored people being thrown on their own resources, the most important step in their elevation is the school-room and educated ministry; and in this every true, Christian patriot can but wish them success.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), October 30, 1879, 3.
Last Sunday evening, the colored Presbyterians of this city took initiatory steps towards organizing a colored Presbyterian church, by the encouragement and sanction of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery. This move has been delayed from the want of at least a partially educated ministry, - but as this difficulty is being met by the practical success of the Institute for training Colored Ministers, the organization of a separate church seems to be the next step in order. We learn that Mr. Rankin, the Assembly’s Professor, is the right man in the right place; and that the students under him are making commendable progress. The colored people being thrown on their own resources, the most important step in their elevation is the school-room and educated ministry; and in this every true, Christian patriot can but wish them success.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), October 30, 1879, 3.
Document 10: Dedication of African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Published in a mainstream city newspaper, this article extensively describes the dedication ceremony of the AMEZ Church, including early church leadership and membership and a general description of the church’s physical and interior spaces.
The dedicatory services of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church took place, according to announcement, on last Sabbath, at 3 o’clock, P.M.
A portion of the church was set aside for those of their white friends who saw fit to attend, and quite a large number availed themselves of the opportunity.
A sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by Elder W. G. Strong, of Mobile, from the text – “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” He showed that it was customary to hold such services, and proved his assertion from the Bible where Solomon dedicated the Temple to God. He preached a good sermon, full of truth, and good advice to unite on all things. He was assisted by Elders Oldfield and Cook in conducting the ceremonies of the occasion.
After the sermon was over the church was formally resented to the service of God by the Trustees, Lawrence Weaver, Chairman, Jere Barnes, Sec’y, Wm. Medlock, Treas., Milton VanHoose, Osborne Jones, Patrick Anderson, Joseph Wright, and Edward Hunter, Pastor of the Church, and the solemn ceremony of dedicating it to His service according to the ritual of their church was performed.
After the dedication a collection was taken up, and they set an example worthy to be imitated by denominations making more pretensions to wealth. There was very little of the “nickel contributions so common among white congregations, but over a one-half of those who contributed dropped a silver dollar into the basket. It came, too, spontaneously, and seemed to afford them a real pleasure to “contribute of their substance unto the Lord.” We learn that the sum of $201.40 was raised.
The Church is one of the handsomest edifices in the City, and cost about $3,500.00, which our colored brethren have raised with commendable pride and zeal. The church is 40x60 feet, ceiling 20 feet, with a very large tower or belfry on one corner with a spire that reaches 235 feet heavenward. They have a nice bell in that regularly summons the congregation to worship. The building is beautifully finished inside with comfortable benches, an elegant carpet, two large chandeliers and large lamp suspended in front of the pulpit that can be elevated or lowered at pleasure. The pulpit is arranged after the modern style, and is very handsome. A very nice little pipe organ sits just back of the pulpit. They have a regularly organized choir, which furnished some very good music on the occasion. The altar was beautifully decorated with wreaths, while on stands were numerous hot house plants that added to the beauty and impressiveness of the occasion.
We are glad to see this sign of improvement and progress on the part of our colored brethren, and we hope that they will yet make more rapid strides in both education and religion. They are among us, make good, law-abiding citizens, and we are glad to see them prosperous and happy. They are identified with us as citizens; their interests are ours. They are awakening to the fact that to make good citizens they must be educated to a certain extent, and to carry out this idea have several well attended schools in our midst. The Presbyterian church is erecting a large building to be used as the Institute for Training Colored Ministers, and ere long Tuskaloosa will become not only the centre of learning for the white people of the State, but the colored also.
There is not a town in the State that has been a more courteous, polite set of colored people, and we rejoice in their prosperity. For, as the wheels of progress move one class of our citizens the other is sure to catch the mania, and we present to the world the beautiful sight of “brethren dwelling together in unity.”
Source: “A.M.E.Z.C. Dedication,” Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), October 27, 1881, 3.
The dedicatory services of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church took place, according to announcement, on last Sabbath, at 3 o’clock, P.M.
A portion of the church was set aside for those of their white friends who saw fit to attend, and quite a large number availed themselves of the opportunity.
A sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by Elder W. G. Strong, of Mobile, from the text – “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” He showed that it was customary to hold such services, and proved his assertion from the Bible where Solomon dedicated the Temple to God. He preached a good sermon, full of truth, and good advice to unite on all things. He was assisted by Elders Oldfield and Cook in conducting the ceremonies of the occasion.
After the sermon was over the church was formally resented to the service of God by the Trustees, Lawrence Weaver, Chairman, Jere Barnes, Sec’y, Wm. Medlock, Treas., Milton VanHoose, Osborne Jones, Patrick Anderson, Joseph Wright, and Edward Hunter, Pastor of the Church, and the solemn ceremony of dedicating it to His service according to the ritual of their church was performed.
After the dedication a collection was taken up, and they set an example worthy to be imitated by denominations making more pretensions to wealth. There was very little of the “nickel contributions so common among white congregations, but over a one-half of those who contributed dropped a silver dollar into the basket. It came, too, spontaneously, and seemed to afford them a real pleasure to “contribute of their substance unto the Lord.” We learn that the sum of $201.40 was raised.
The Church is one of the handsomest edifices in the City, and cost about $3,500.00, which our colored brethren have raised with commendable pride and zeal. The church is 40x60 feet, ceiling 20 feet, with a very large tower or belfry on one corner with a spire that reaches 235 feet heavenward. They have a nice bell in that regularly summons the congregation to worship. The building is beautifully finished inside with comfortable benches, an elegant carpet, two large chandeliers and large lamp suspended in front of the pulpit that can be elevated or lowered at pleasure. The pulpit is arranged after the modern style, and is very handsome. A very nice little pipe organ sits just back of the pulpit. They have a regularly organized choir, which furnished some very good music on the occasion. The altar was beautifully decorated with wreaths, while on stands were numerous hot house plants that added to the beauty and impressiveness of the occasion.
We are glad to see this sign of improvement and progress on the part of our colored brethren, and we hope that they will yet make more rapid strides in both education and religion. They are among us, make good, law-abiding citizens, and we are glad to see them prosperous and happy. They are identified with us as citizens; their interests are ours. They are awakening to the fact that to make good citizens they must be educated to a certain extent, and to carry out this idea have several well attended schools in our midst. The Presbyterian church is erecting a large building to be used as the Institute for Training Colored Ministers, and ere long Tuskaloosa will become not only the centre of learning for the white people of the State, but the colored also.
There is not a town in the State that has been a more courteous, polite set of colored people, and we rejoice in their prosperity. For, as the wheels of progress move one class of our citizens the other is sure to catch the mania, and we present to the world the beautiful sight of “brethren dwelling together in unity.”
Source: “A.M.E.Z.C. Dedication,” Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), October 27, 1881, 3.
