Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Church Spring Church and School

circa 1840-1895

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2020

1. Church Spring Church and School Marker

Inscription. About 1840, African- Americans began holding religious services in a brick cow shed overlooking the town spring near this site. It was purchased in 1857 by the local Methodists for this congregation, with Robin Lightfoot, a slave, as its pastor. In 1879 it was organized as St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church. Children of slaves and freemen were taught there in early years. In 1866, the Freedmen's Bureau established a school for the children of African-Americans, probably at this location.

Erected by Florence Historical Board.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 34° 47.716′ N, 87° 40.432′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker is on Veterans Drive east of South Pine Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Church Spring and School (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rolling Stones in the Shoals in 1969 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John McKinley Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court (about 500 feet away); The American Legion

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Lauderdale County (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Hicks Boulevard (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Mark Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Florence Little League Baseball (1951) (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2020

2. Church Spring Church and School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.