Hunter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 1105 22nd Avenue
Churches
African-American--History--Tuscaloosa
Hunter's Chapel AME Zion Church was organized in 1866, the first black Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa. Its first house of worship was a rented building that stood where Bryant-Denny Stadium now stands. The first structure built by the church was completed in 1878. The present structure was erected in 1881 with exterior brick added in 1910 when the building was rebuilt after the original structure was destroyed by fire. This church, often called the 'father" of black education in Tuscaloosa, included a school for children of freed slaves during Reconstruction in the 1870s.
The church was named for Rev. E.H. Hunter, who served with distinction as pastor during the 1880's. Later the name was changed from Hunter's Chapel to Hunter Chapel.
Betty Slowe
Betty Slowe
Jan. 17, 2014
Betty Slowe (Description)
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Photograph
1120
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Saint Peter A.M.E. Zion Church, 3033 26th Street, Tuscaloosa
Churches
African-American--History--Tuscaloosa
Saint Peter A.M.E. Zion Church was the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on September 4, 1970.
"The Saint Peter A.M.E. Zion Church was organized July 2, 1952 at the C.S.& B. Hall on 32nd Avenue and 18th Street under the leadership of Reverend Pete S. Sanders. Since that time, four other ministers have served as pastors of the Church. They were Reverend A. Beal, Reverend G.D. James, Reverend Sylvester Croom and the present pastor Reverend James E. Hendrix.
With a faithful few members, Reverend James was able to move the congregation from the C.S. & B. Hall to an old dwelling house on 30th Avenue and 26th Street. Reverend Croom was appointed there at the beginning of the conference years in 1960. He was able to move the members a few blocks from the old dwelling house to its present location at 3033 26th Street. He was able to build the first unit of the present church.
Reverend James E. Hendrix was appointed pastor of the church during the 1964 Conference, and with 26 members, has been able to complete the building and buy more property for convenient parking. The Church and property now values $130,000. We are grateful to God and our many friends for our success. 125 members have been added to the Church under Reverend Hendrix's leadership. You are welcome to visit each Sunday.
Sunday Morning, September 6, 1970 Text: Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure heart: for they shall see God" Reverend James E. Hendrix, Pastor"
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
September 4, 1970
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
Newspaper
1004
Tuscaloosa (AL)
First Assembly of God, 3801 Skyland Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa
Churches
First Assembly of God was the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on October 30, 1970.
"The First Assembly of God is one of the 5,619 Assembly of God churches in the United States. Though this is the only church of this faith in Tuscaloosa County, the congregation enjoys the facilities of one of the most beautiful and modern church buildings in Tuscaloosa.
Located just two miles east of the McFarland Mall on the Highway 11 Bypass, the First Assembly of God is strategically placed to serve the expanding city of Tuscaloosa. Steady growth of the church has been noted in its 19 year history. The average Sunday School attendance has doubled since 1960."
For the past 2 1/2 years the church had been pastored by Reverend Nelson E. White. He is a graduate of Southeastern Bible College in Lakeland, Fla., and has been active in the Gospel ministry for 20 years. Prior to coming to Tuscaloosa, Rev. White served as the State Youth Director for the Alabama Assemblies of God. Currently, he is filling the office as the Assistant Superintendent of the Alabama District Council.
Working with the pastor in the leadership of the church is a laymen's Church Board. The five men presently serving are J. Leroy Smith, Raymond Giles, David Kennedy, Bobby Picains and Irvin Fields. Mrs. Marshall Ables is church treasurer.
Services are conducted each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m., and the Christ's Ambassadors (Youth) at 6:00 p.m. Midweek service time is 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays, with choir rehearsal following. Other ministries include a Men's Fellowship, Women's Missionary Council, Royal Rangers (boys) Missionettes (girls), and Children's Church.
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
October 30, 1970
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
934
Tuscaloosa County (AL)
Alberta Baptist Church, 2210 University Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa
Churches
Alberta Baptist Church was featured as the Feature Church in the Tuscaloosa News on September 26, 1969. The minister at this time was Dr. Thomas E. Halsell.
" The Alberta Baptist Church was organized in March, 1921 with eleven charter members. Until recent years, a goodly number of these members continued to reside in the Alberta area. Death has claimed the lives of all but two of the original members. During these forty-eight years ten pastors have served the church, two of which were interim pastors.
The Alberta Baptist Church is known to be a peoples' church with good attendance to a balanced program of Christian activities.
The church has a growing missionary outreach. The Eastern Hills Baptist Church, constituted last June 1, was started and sponsored by Alberta. A Mission Sunday School is conducted each week at Partlow State School. Gifts to missions exceed twenty-five thousand dollars each years.
The Christian education activities include Sunday School, Training Union, Missionary Groups and a full music ministry. During the summer a Vacation Bible School, recreation program, camps, special music classes and choir tours are included in the program of activities."
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
September 26, 1969
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
928
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Bethel Baptist Church, 3003 25th Street, Tuscaloosa
Churches
African-American--History--Tuscaloosa
Bethel Baptist Church was featured as the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on April 24, 1970.
"Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1881, with the Reverend Delaware Jackson, a local citizen of Tuscaloosa, as the organizer and first pastor.
The church was located at Castle Hill, on the north side of the Birmingham Highway near the intersection of what is now 6th Avenue, East. Years later, church officials purchased the site on 11th Street and 6th Avenue, East, from Mrs. Fannie Garland, and built another frame house church in the year 1903. The Reverend J. McDaniel was then chosen for pastor.
Reverend O.S. Harvey was called to pastor Bethel in October of 1933 and is still serving in this capacity. Bethel was rebuilt in 1950 of brick this time. This location served as church-home from August 1, 1903 to January 31, 1965.
Bethel has now, since January 31, 1965, put down roots for a church-home in its new location at 3003- 25th Street and 30th Avenue.
The church auxiliaries are: Sunday School which is organized into 3 departments and 14 classes operating on the six-point record system; the Missionary Society which is organized into 18 work-study units; two Usher groups; Baptist Training Unions; three choirs and 15 Deacons.
The activities of Bethel include: Worship Service every 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10:45 A.M.; Sunday School and Baptist Training Union each Sunday at 9:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.; The week-day activities are: Laymen and Missionary Circle, Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. ; Prayer Meeting , Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.; Teacher's meeting, Thursday at 6:30 P.M.; Choir Rehearsal and Usher meeting each 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:30 P.M.
We invite you to accept a place of service in the life of the church. Bethel welcomes you to its services at any time."
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
April 24, 1970
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
932
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Big Sandy Baptist Church, 14611 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa
Churches
Big Sandy Baptist Church was the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on September 25, 1970.
"Big Sandy Baptist Church is located on the Old Highway 69, 10 miles south of Tuscaloosa. The Church was founded prior to 1857, for at that time it was accepted into the Tuscaloosa County Association of Baptist Churches.
Since that early date, Big Sandy has grown with the community, and has indeed been the leader in the growth of the community in many respects.
The beautiful red brick structure that houses the congregation stands as both a symbol and a reality of peace and worship to God. Since 1966, when the present building was completed, the members have harbored dreams of building a bigger and more efficient educational building.
Big Sandy has grown in membership, and presently lists over 250 members. The buildings have grown from log cabins to the air-conditioned, carpeted sanctuary with a seating capacity of nearly 350. But even more importantly, the fellowship of the church body, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, has become one of the greatest in any locality.
The present pastor, Revered Winfred Easley, moved to this community in June, and extends a cordial welcome to those who will come and worship the Lord with us."
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
September 25, 1970
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Newspaper
Newspaper
990
Tuscaloosa County (AL)
Calvary Baptist Church, 1121 10th Street, Tuscaloosa
Churches
Calvary Baptist Church was the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on September 19, 1969.
"Calvary Baptist Church began in 1910. The first house of worship was built by Mr. F.W. Monnish as a memorial to his son, Sage. The church was called Sage Monnish Memorial until 1925 when at the request of the Monnish family the name was changed to Calvary. A fire in that same year destroyed the entire church plant and the present buildings were begun.
Dr. Horace G. Williams pastor emeritus served as pastor from 1933 until his retirement in March 1960. During his pastorate Calvary experienced remarkable growth to become the largest church in our city. The membership at Calvary has been instrumental in the organization of Forest Lake: South Highland; Ridgecrest and Skyland Boulevard Baptist Churches in this area. Calvary presently supports a mission in western Pennsylvania.
Two years ago a major building program was completed. The church plant now includes educational facilities for 1500, a spacious sanctuary, a lovely chapel, and gymnasium. The present pastor, Allan R. Watson, began his ministry at Calvary in March 1960. He is a native South Carolinian, a graduate of Furman University and the Southern Theological Seminary. He and his wife, the former Betty Carter, and three children live at 276 Cedar Crest."
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
September 19, 1969
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
Newspaper
981
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Compton Award, Calvary Baptist Church, 1975
Compton, Charlie (d. 1971)
Bryant, Paul W., 1913-1983
Fraley, Robert, 1953-1999
Calvary Baptist Church (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Churches
Dietzel, Paul F., 1924-2013
Thigpen, Richard Ashley, 1943-
Robert Fraley is presented the Compton Award by Calvary Baptist Church.
Left is Paul F. Dietzel; Robert Fraley; and Alabama Coach Paul W. Bryant. The person on the right is unidentified.
The Charlie Compton Award was presented annually to a senior athlete at the University of Alabama who had demonstrated outstanding Christian character and leadership. Charlie Compton is a former Bama football player who later became a missionary to Brazil. He died in a car accident in 1971. Dietzel was a football player and a coach. He coached at LSU and South Carolina and was an assistant coach under Paul "Bear" Bryant at Kentucky. Dietzel spoke at the church that day. Richard Thigpen, on the right, a lawyer and law professor, was the acting president of the University of Alabama from 1975 to 1977.
Fraley, a quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, was the 1975 recipient of the award. He became a sports agent after graduation. He was killed in a plane crash in 1999 at age 46.
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News Archive
Tuscaloosa News
1975
Betty Slowe (Description)
Photograph
2588
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Circlewood Baptist Church, 2201 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa
Churches
Circlewood Baptist Church was the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on July 24, 1970.
"In January, 1947, a group of men from the First Baptist Church met and formed a Brotherhood. At one of the first meetings, a suggestion was made that a mission was needed in the Circlewood area. Mr. C.W. Gross contacted Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Cole, and they sold four lots for use as a future church site.
In June 1948, the deacons of the First Baptist Church recommended that a tent be placed on the lots, and Dr. Timmerman would preach a revival. The "Loop Road Mission" was close to Dr. Timmerman's heart. Before his illness and death in 1949, he pledged $50 a month to the mission.
The First Baptist voted to proceed with a building in June, 1949. The building was opened for the first service on February 5, 1950.
On January 23, 1952, Circlewood voted to incorporated and become a separate church. On January 30, 1952, it was decided that the official name of the church would be "Circlewood Baptist Church." The First Baptist Church deeded the property to Circlewood in December, 1952.
Through the years Circlewood Baptist Church has grown and prospered under able leadership of fine Christian men and women with the fires of evangelism burning in their hearts. Not only are unsaved people brought to Christ through their ministry, but they are nurtured and taught the Bible. Always a progressive Church with the future in mind, the Circlewood Baptist Church is in the planing and process of building better facilities to serve Christ and the people in a better way. Soon there will be a new auditorium added to the already existing buildings.
Circlewood Baptist Church is a conservative church in its belief. We believe all of the Bible is true as it claims to be, and this is the way it is taught and preached.
We have a music program of the highest quality- singing the old-time songs as well as the new. Our fully graded choir program is under the direction of Mr. Ronald Philpot.
The present pastor is DeBart Quarles Jr., a native of Tuscaloosa. Bro. Quarles has been pastor since 1969. He came to Circlewood from the Tabernacle Baptist church in South Flomaton, Florida.
We have a wonderful Christian fellowship with love abounding. If you are searching for a church practicing the old time religion in the space age, then come and worship with us."
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
July 24, 1970
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
Newspaper
1001
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Coker Baptist Church, 14608 Romulus Road, Coker
Churches
Coker Baptist Church was featured as the Tuscaloosa News Feature Church on June 5,1970. John Atkins was pastor at this time.
"On July 22, 1820, Rev. Daniel Brown, from Ebenezer Baptist Church (now Tuscaloosa First Baptist Church) and Rev. Thomas Baines from Bethel Church met as Presbytery and constituted the members present into a church known as Big Creek.
After many years of service to the Lord, in 1944 the church was moved from its original site to its present location in Coker.
The first Sunday school rooms were added in 1950, and in 1956 the name of the Church was changed from "Big Creek" to "Coker Baptist." In 1959 there arose another need for educational space and another unit was added.
From sometime the members of Coker Baptist Church dreamed of a modern Sanctuary for worship. Plans were made and in 1969 this dream became a reality.
Beside the regular worship services, each Lord's Day, Coker Baptist Church offers in Christian Education, Training, and Missions the following: Sunday School, Training Union, Vacation Bible School, Brotherhood, W.M.U., G.A.'s; and Sunbeans."
Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News
June 5, 1970
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Tuscaloosa News
Newspaper
925
Tuscaloosa County (AL)