Cahaba in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Methodist Church
Although not a member of the church at the time, William Curtis, one of Cahawba's oldest citizens, donated this land so a Methodist Church could be built. The first minister assigned to the church, Rev. James L. Cotten, fell in love with Curtis' youngest daughter Lucy.
Mr. Curtis opposed their marriage because of Cotten's “want of education, indolence, excessive levity, transient life, and manners" - also because he had 'paid attentions to Miss Brown!" Despite her father's opinion, Lucy eventually accepted Rev. Cotten's proposal. They were married on March 7, 1853.
St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church
During his first year in Cahawba, Rev. James L. Cotten's congregation was composed of eighty-three whites and one hundred and fifty African Americans. At first, he held services for the enslaved people under the floor of a cotton warehouse. Later he was able to obtain a lot nearby so the African Americans could build their own log church. Always, worship was overseen by the white minister.
So when emancipation came, Cahawba's African American residents wanted a church that was truly their own. They formed an African Methodist Episcopal congregation. Cahawba's white Methodists had moved away, so the Black congregation was able to use this vacated church. From then on, this building was known as St. Paul's A.M.E. Church.
In 1954, sparks from a fire in the nearby woods ignited the wooden steeple. The brick walls toppled before the fire squad could respond. In the end, the number of worshipers had dwindled to seven.
Erected 2015 by the Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Alabama Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 7, 1853.
Location. 32° 18.995′ N, 87° 5.978′ W. Marker is in Cahaba, Alabama, in Dallas County. Marker is on Mulberry Street south of First South Street, on the left when traveling south. Located within the Cahawba Archaeological Park (nominal fee required). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Mulberry Street, Orrville AL 36767, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Anna Gayle Fry House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Working on Walnut Street (about 700 feet away); Site of Alabama's Statehouse (about 800 feet away); Alabama's First Statehouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Footprint of a Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cahawba - circa 1500 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Who Lived Here? (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cahaba First State Capital (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cahaba.
Also see . . . Old Cahawba Archaeological Park - Alabama Historical Commission. (Submitted on January 7, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 411 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 7, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.