Near Midway in Barbour County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Ramah Baptist Church & Cemetery

Barbour County

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 12, 2020

1. Ramah Baptist Church & Cemetery Marker

Inscription. Constructed in the 1840s and constituted in 1852, Ramah Baptist Church is in the community formerly known as both Ramah and Vaughn. Records show that the land for both the church and cemetery was given by Solomon G. and Francis T. Burke in 1857. This congregation was ruled with strict and rigid discipline that could lead to the exclusion of members who fell short of the exacting standards of the church. The interior arrangement reflects the strict attitude of the church leadership, as does the use of separate entrances. The two doors on either side of the church allowed men and women to enter separately. The division of the central pews with a wooden bar was also intended to separate men and women.

In 1869, 171 African-American members of Ramah Baptist Church voted to be dismissed from the congregation. Ramah Baptist

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Church helped construct the Nero Baptist Church for these former African-American members. The cemetery located behind the church is a continuation of the community's history. The oldest headstone dates from February 23. 1821. Five Confederate soldiers are buried here. Four of these were the Weaver brothers who were all killed in battle. In 1963 a group of 25 people formed the Ramah Church Memorial Association to preserve the church and cemetery. The first officers elected at that time were: President George H. Adams, First Vice President Ollie L. Johnson, Sr., Second Vice President John Robert Gary. Secretary Mrs. Jessie E. Cobb, and Treasurer Ms. Katie Mae Taylor. An annual church service, dinner on the grounds and business meeting is held each fourth Sunday in June for the family and friends of former members. The church is

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 12, 2020

2. Ramah Baptist Church & Cemetery Marker

important for its religious history and architectural significance. The building is an excellent example of a rural, one-room church that retains a high degree of historic integrity.

Listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage December 15, 2011

Erected 2018 by Ramah Church Memorial Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is February 23, 1821.

Location. 32° 6.348′ N, 85° 23.885′ W. Marker is near Midway, Alabama, in Barbour County. It is on Springhill Road (County Road 89), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Midway AL 36053, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American

Photographed by James L.Whitman, September 11, 2021

3. Ramah Baptist Church & Cemetery Marker

South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Black Belt,

and in the Wiregrass.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Unknown Soldiers (approx. 3.9 miles away); Spring Hill United Methodist Church (approx. 3.9 miles away); Election Riot of 1874 (approx. 5 miles away); May 28th Celebration (approx. 6.3 miles away); Old Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery (approx. 6.9 miles away); Jefferson Davis Highway (approx. 7.2 miles away); Midway Baptist Church (approx. 7.3 miles away); Confederate Memorial

Ramah Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 27, 2020

4. Ramah Cemetery

(approx. 7.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Midway.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Braxton Bragg Comer (was approx. 4.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2020, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,463 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2020, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. 3. submitted on September 13, 2021, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. 4. submitted on January 12, 2021, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.