First African Baptist Church Tuscaloosa, 2621 Stillman Boulevard

First African Baptist.jpg
Marker.jpg

Title

First African Baptist Church Tuscaloosa, 2621 Stillman Boulevard

Subject

Churches
African-American--History--Tuscaloosa

Description

 

First African Baptist Church began in 1866 with the Black members of the First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa deciding to form their own church.  At first worship was held in the member’s homes.   The first permanent church building was constructed at Riverhill, now 4th St. and 24th Ave.  In 1907, under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Smith, land was purchased and the current brick church was constructed at a cost of $50,000.  It was designed to be a replica of the chapel at Tuskegee Institute. The building was renovated and additional lots purchased in the 1950s under the direction of Rev. W. B. Shealey. 

In August 1963, Rev. T. Y. Rogers, Jr. was called to the pastorate of the church.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the sermon at his installation program.  Rev. Rogers led the Civil Rights movement in Tuscaloosa and organized Tuscaloosa Citizens for Action Committee.  Civil Rights meetings were held in the church and protest marches started there.  “Bloody Tuesday” events started at the church which was heavily damaged by police and white extremists.  The church is a stop on the Civil Rights Trail in Tuscaloosa.

Text of the historical marker:

Organized November 1866, with 144 members.  The Rev. Prince Murrell, first Pastor served until 1885.  A church building located at corner of 4th Street and 24th Avenue was purchased and became place of worship during pastorate of the Rev. James Mason, 1885-1891.  Resolution passed in this church 1873 resulted in establishment of Selma University, Selma, Alabama.

Present structure erected 1907 under leadership of the Rev. J. H. Smith.  Church annex completed and adjoining property purchased during pastorate of Rev. W. B. Shealey, 1952-1957.   Education building and new parsonage constructed during the term of T. Y. Rogers, Jr. 1965-1971.

Creator

Elizabeth Bradt

Source

Elizabeth Bradt

Date

2021

Contributor

Elizabeth Bradt (Description)

Type

Photograph

Identifier

2058

Coverage

Tuscaloosa (AL)

Original Format

Photograph