Laurel in Jones County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
First Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 23, 2025
1. First Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Marker
The first African American congregation in Laurel began meeting in 1892 and was affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. The church was named for Bishop Richard Allen, the denomination's founder, and its first pastor. Rev. D.K. Turner, was appointed in 1899. He oversaw the construction of the first church building, which was donated by the Laurel Sawmill Company. The church burned in 1918 and was rebuilt the same year. It was replaced in 1947.
Erected 2023 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 31° 41.97′ N, 89° 7.318′ W. Marker is in Laurel, Mississippi, in Jones County. It is at the intersection of Susie B Ruffin Avenue (U.S. 11) and East
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Mississippi’s Pine Belt. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named First Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church (here, next to this marker); Jones County Courthouse (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jones County Blues (approx. 0.7 miles away); Laurel City Hall (approx. 0.7 miles away); Hotel Pinehurst (approx. 0.7 miles away); F.W. Woolworth Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); Triangle Homes (approx. 0.9 miles away); Dr. King Visits Laurel (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurel.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 23, 2025
2. First Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church & Marker (on extreme right of photo).
Reverse side contains same text but difficult to see when it is so close to the wall.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 23, 2025
3. First Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church cornerstone.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
