Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3535 Stillman Blvd

Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3535 Stillman Blvd

Church

African-American--History--Tuscaloosa

The Brown Memorial Church was founded in December 1880 as the Salem Presbyterian Church. The Black members of the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa wanted to have their own church and were assisted in this effort by Dr. Charles A. Stillman, the pastor. The first church building was erected on 9th St. and 30th Ave. in 1882. In 1915 the church relocated to 11th St. and 25th Ave. In 1931 the church again moved to its current site next to Stillman College. The present building was constructed in 1959.

The text of the historic marker:

Oldest existing Black Presbyterian Church in Alabama. Organized by Dr. Charles A. Stillman as Salem Church in December, 1880. First church building erected 9th Street and 30th Avenue in 1882. First pastors were Reverend B. Wilkinson (1889-90) and Reverend I. C. H. Champney (1894-98). In 1915 relocated at 11th Street and 25th Avenue. In 1931 moved to present site. Name changed to Brown Memorial (1932) honoring Dr. R. A. Brown, Superintendent of Home Mission Work, PCUS. Present sanctuary built 1959 under the leadership of Reverend Charles H. Williams. Earlier structure converted to Educational Building 1961.

Elizabeth Bradt

2021

Elizabeth Bradt (Description)

Photograph

2566

Tuscaloosa (AL)

Photographs