Dolomite in Hueytown in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2023

1. Bethlehem United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Established in 1818, is one of the oldest church parishes in Jefferson County. About 1814 James Rutledge settled here to be near the Rutledge Springs and donated land for the church building and the cemetery. The first church building was completed in 1818 by Reverend James Tarrant, a Revolutionary soldier and minister. Many of the local pioneer families, including the Prude, Owen, Sadler and Jordan families were charter members.

The first known burial was Martha Rose Sadler 1794-1823, wife of James Rutledge. The 374 tombstones in the adjoining cemetery mark the graves of many prominent plantation owners and settlers of west Jefferson County including Mortimer Jordan, born in the late 1700s, and wife Lucy. Much of the growth and development of Jefferson County in its first 100 years can be attributed to the pioneers who attended Bethlehem United Methodist Church.

The church is still active. Although the original log building is gone, the hand-hewn logs and other pieces of the original building are incorporated into the current fram building erected in 1880 with later additions.

Erected 2013 by George Maris Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion

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• Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.

Location. 33° 27.505′ N, 86° 57.155′ W. Marker is in Hueytown, Alabama, in Jefferson County. It is in Dolomite. Marker is at the intersection of Allison-Bonnett Memorial Drive and Tin Mill Road, on the right when traveling west on Allison-Bonnett Memorial Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1491 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr, Dolomite AL 35061, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bethlehem Church Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bethlehem United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Lynching In America / The Lynching of William Miller (approx. 2 miles away); Hueytown and the Alabama Gang (approx. 2.6 miles away); City of Lipscomb, Alabama (approx. 2.8 miles away); Miles College Leaders, Students Active During Civil Rights Era (approx. 3 miles away); Union Baptist Church And Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); Bright Star / Koikos Restaurant (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hueytown.

Also see . . .

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2023

2. Bethlehem United Methodist Church Marker

Bethlehem United Methodist Church. The church has grown from a one room log building to one containing two large auditoriums, a large kitchen, fully equipped, and 13 classrooms. (Hueytown Historical Society) (Submitted on February 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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