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

Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2022

1. Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Marker

Inscription. Organized 1866, the first Black Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa. First house of worship, a rented building, was located where Denny Stadium now stands. First structure built by the church completed 1878. Present structure erected 1881, exterior brick added 1910. This church, often called the “father” of Negro education in Tuscaloosa, included a school for children of freed slaves, during Reconstruction days of 1870s. Church named for Rev. E. H. Hunter who served with distinction as pastor during 1880's. Rev. Felix Sylvester Anderson, pastor, 1933-1956, elected 1960 to office of Bishop, AME Zion Churches of America and served until retirement, 1972.

Erected by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church, and the Alabama Historical Association series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 33° 12.282′ N, 87° 33.79′ W. Marker is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. It is at the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 11th Street, on the right when traveling north on 22nd Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1105 22nd Ave, Tuscaloosa AL 35401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Friedman Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chabannes - Sealy House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Jemison Home (approx. ¼ mile away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); The Mildred Warner House (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Senator Richard Shelby (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tuscaloosa.

Regarding Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. First known as the Freemen Methodist Society, it was organized by Shandy Wesley Jones, a former slave who became an advocate for Black education. In 1868 he became the first African American to represent Tuscaloosa in the state House, serving a two-year term. Hunter's Chapel hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in June, 1955, the first Tuscaloosa church to do so.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2022

2. Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Marker

Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2022

3. Hunter's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

The present sanctuary dates to 1881.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 844 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.