Hall Street Baptist Church
Montgomery County
In 1903, forty community members organized Hall Street Baptist
Church. Rev. James Brannon served as the first pastor. The church
played an integral role in Centennial Hill's history and culture and
shone as a beacon for those fighting for Civil Rights. Rev. Ralph
Abernathy served as acting pastor from September 1949 to March
1950. Civil Rights activist Johnnie R. Carr and her son Arlam Carr Jr.
were lifelong church members. From her home, Mrs. Carr stood as the
watch man over the church and grounds. She also provided church
keys for members, groups, and choirs who needed access. Many
pastors and church members often participated in Civil Rights
activities, such as Emancipation Celebrations, the 1955 Montgomery
Bus Boycott, and voter registration drives. Church member Poccolia
Walker Wilson was the church's designated driver during the
Montgomery Bus Boycott. Dr. Felix James, Sr. holds the distinction of
the longest serving pastor, from 1957 to 1995. Nineteen pastors have
ministered faithfully to Hall Street Baptist Church over its long and
illustrious history. The church continues to be a shining light to
the Centennial Hill
this page online
Erected 2018 by Councilman Tracy Larkin and Hall Street Baptist Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1950.
Location. 32° 22.202′ N, 86° 17.495′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of Hall Street and Lake Street, on the right when traveling south on Hall Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Hall St, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Johnnie R. and Arlam Carr, Sr. Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Hale Infirmary / The Lynching of Willie Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Alabama State University / Tatum Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aurelia Eliscera Shines Browder (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home of Ralph David Abernathy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Birthplace of Nat "King" Cole (approx. 0.3 miles away); Forest Avenue's Medical Facilities / Oak Park Montgomery's First Public Park
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 225 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
